Alton Pope, age 88, of Ellijay, GA passed away Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at his home. Mr. Pope was born on May 17, 1929 in Fannin County, GA. He was retired from the United States Army as a Master Sergeant and was a combat veteran, having served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He was a member of New Antioch Baptist Church and had served as a Deacon since 1978. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Albert Pope and Edna Colwell Pope and a sister, Geraline Pope.He is survived by his wife, Alice Davenport Pope of Ellijay; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Janene Pope of Blue Ridge; daughters and son-in-law, Debbie and Gary Herby of Venice, FL and Sandy Fendley of Blue Ridge; brother, Eugene Pope of Blairsville, GA; sisters, Louise Postell of Blairsville and Gwendolyn Hopkins of Dalton, GA; 7 grandchildren Rachael Dailey, Sarah (Frank) Malatesta, Keith (Jenna) Herby, Kari Herby, Christopher Fendley, Kevin Fendley, and Leah Pope; and 3 great grandchildren, Chase Herby, Kalana Harvy, and Ty Harvy. Funeral services were held Saturday, October 21, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. from the Akins Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Billy Cantrell and Rev. James Galloway officiating. Eulogy was given by Gary Herby. Music was led by Larry Fox and Mitzi Stewart. Pallbearers were Danny Colwell, Christopher Fendley, Frank Malatasta, Bobby Platt, Matthew Davenport, Jim Robinson, Billy Davenport, Kevin Fendley, Greg Hopkins, and Shannon Adams. Honorary pallbearers were Ray Watkins, Reid Mathis, James McGill, Hubert Stewart, Earnest Long, Hoyt Campbell, Darrel Stewart, Dale Blair, Zack Hopkins, Greg Ledford, Jerrod Curtis, Hobert Abercrombie, Steve Green, Jose Moreno, Freddie Hopkins, Jim Dickey, and James Postell. Graveside services followed in Chastain Memorial Park with Rev. Joe Dan Wilkins officiating and military honors by the North Georgia Honor Guard. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge was in charge of arrangements. . SERVICES Visitation Friday, October 20, 2017 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge 7871 Blue Ridge Drive Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513 Funeral Service Saturday, October 21, 2017 2:00 PM Akins of Blue Ridge Chapel 7871 Blue Ridge Drive Blue Ridge, GA 30513