HAINES CITY - Michael D. Pope, 58, of Haines City FL, died July 22, 2008, at his residence due to Mesothelioma.

He was born March 11, 1950 in Winter Haven, Fl and has been a lifetime resident of the area. Michael was the manager of the shipping department for Dundee Citrus Growers Assoc. and he was a United States Air Force veteran serving in the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Baptist Temple of Dundee and was a sports enthusiast who really enjoyed the Gators, and NASCAR.

He is predeceased by his parents, Katrina Hudson and Thomas "Rooster" Pope, and survived by his wife, of 27 years, Freida R. Pope, who was his middle and high school sweetheart; son, Matthew Pope of Tampa, FL; brother, Dwight Pope of Kennesaw, GA; nephews Scott and Chris Pope and great nephew Ryan Pope.

Visitation will be Thursday, 07/24/08 from 5-7 p.m. at Oak Ridge Funeral Care, Haines City. Funeral services will be Friday 07/25/08 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent via www.oakridgefuneralcare.com