MONROE, N.C. —Pope Lee Buford, III, 68, passed away Sunday, Sept. 2, 2012 in Monroe, N.C.

Pope was born Oct. 21, 1943, in Newberry to the late Pope Lee Jr. and Nan Dawkins Buford.

He graduated from Newberry High School and attended The University of Miami, Fla. He also graduated from The Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, returning to Newberry where he was employed at McSwain Funeral Home for several years.

Pope is survived by his wife Lynda, of Monroe; two sons, Pope Lee Buford IV (Jodie) and Brent Edward Buford, and granddaughters Hannah and Sarah Buford, all of Greenville. He is also survived by stepchildren, Jarrod Baucom and Lisa Newsome, and six stepgrandchildren, all of Monroe.

Pope was predeceased by his parents and his brother Kenneth.

Graveside services will be held Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Rosemont Cemetery in Newberry.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the charity of choice.

On line condolences may be sent to the family at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com.

Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry, is assisting the family.