Clinton Rudy Pope

Mayor Clinton Rudy Pope, 76, of Bruce passed away on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at Baptist Memorial Hospital of Oxford. He was born on March 18, 1946, in Philadelphia, MS to the late Clinton Pope and Edna Lloyd Durance.

Graduate of Noxapater High School class of 1965. After graduation, Rudy went on to Mississippi State University and graduated with a master's degree in education. Rudy married his companion and helpmate Sandra Lofton Pope in 1994.  He spent many seasons of life as a school teacher and a coach. He taught and coached at New Hope High School, Newnan High School, Waynesboro High School, North Pontotoc High School, Nettleton High School, Calhoun City High School, and Bruce High School until his retirement in 2011. While he was a coach at Bruce High School he led the football team to win the 2A State Championship in 1996. Rudy was also chosen as Star Teacher of the Year. He was a mentor to the kids that he taught and coached. After retirement Rudy was elected as mayor of Bruce in 2013 where he served his town faithfully and was involved in all civic events. He was an avid Mississippi State Bulldog fan. Rudy was a member of First Baptist Church Bruce and Bruce Chamber of Commerce. Rudy loved people and although he has departed from our lives, his treasured memory will hold a special place in the hearts of his friends and loved ones.

He leaves behind a loving family to continue walking down the path of life in his absence: wife, Sandra Lofton Pope of Bruce, MS; three daughters: Kathy Pope (Donnie) Smith of New Hope, MS; Chelle Pope (Jay) Cook of New Hope, MS; Nikki Pope (Kelly) Raulerson of Collinsville, MS; stepdaughter, Stephani Verucchi (Eric) Gay of Shelby, NC; stepson, Michael (Deborah) Verucchi of Olive Branch, MS; sister, Pat (Steve) Holden of Meridian, MS; brother, Johnny (Linda) West of Satellite Beach, FL; eleven grandchildren: Anna Smith (Webb) Price, Daniel Smith, Douglas Smith, Kyle Cruthirds, Reagan Cook (Branson) Eaves, Brynn Raulerson, Kate Raulerson, Avery Gay, Caroline Gay, Parker Verucchi, and Charlie Verucchi. Two great-grandchildren: Connor Price and Kara Price.

Rudy was preceded in death by his parents, Clinton Pope and Edna Lloyd Durance; two sisters: Margaret Smith and Sherry Cumbus; three brothers: Miton Collier, Joe Collier, and Robert Pope.

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 27, 2023, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Parker Memorial Funeral Home in Bruce. The funeral service celebrating Rudy’s life will take place on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at 10:00 AM at Parker Memorial Funeral Home with Bro. Chad Logan, Bro. Darrell Logan, and Bro. Ryan Reed officiating. A graveside service will be held at 4:00 PM in Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery: 1502 Friendship Lane NW Brookhaven, MS 39601 with Bro. Talmadge Smith officiating. Coah Allen Cayson, Coach Bubba Davis, Coach Phil Ferguson, Coach Donnie Logan, Coach Brian Maddox, Coach Mike Ray, Coach Richard Russo, and Coach Sam Wilson will be serving as pallbearers. Bruce Fire Department, Bruce Police Department, Bruce City Hall Staff, Bruce City Works Employees, Kyle Cruthirds, Lucas Ferguson, Rudy Ferguson, Avery Gay, Roman Moore, Coach Jimmy Risen, Daniel Smith, Douglas Smith, Royce Tidwell, Casey Tutor, Charlie Verucchi, and Parker Verucchi will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The staff of Parker Memorial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Pope family as they walk through this season of loss. We ask that you keep them, in your thoughts and prayers as they mourn the passing of their loved one.