Dr. Michael J. Pope, 84, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.  He was preceded in death by his parents Hartley Ross Pope and Margaret Desmond Pope and brother Leigh D. Pope.

Michael was born and raised in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. He grew up on Conesus Lake enjoying ice fishing and boating. A football injury when he was young threatened his ability to walk and it was after visiting a chiropractor who helped him fully recover that he knew his calling. Michael earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Logan College of Chiropractic and completed an internship and residency at Kentuckiana Children's Center in Louisville, KY where he met the love of his life, Carolyn Whitlock. They married and moved to Troy, OH where Michael established his Chiropractic practice with Carolyn by his side.

During his 50 years of Chiropractic practice, Michael cared deeply for his patients, often taking calls in the middle of the night and heading to the office at all hours to help someone in need. Michael demonstrated his lifelong commitment to learning and growth by studying the latest innovations and techniques in his field. He invented medical devices for which he received patents that are still in use today. He demonstrated his commitment to serving the local community through founding the Miami County chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters, serving as director of the Troy Chamber of Commerce, leading as scoutmaster for the Bethel local Boy Scouts troop, and serving on the Miami County Park District board. Michael was president of Troy Rotary Club where he launched the Designated Driver program that helped save countless lives during holiday seasons.

As an avid sailor, photographer, and birdwatcher, Michael loved being in nature. He loved growing moon flowers and was passionate about living a healthy lifestyle. He was a prayer warrior and lived by the Golden Rule.  His faith in God and devotion to family were paramount: He was a dedicated husband to Carolyn, and a nurturing father to Maria Pope Houston (Todd), Steven Pope and Monica Pope Slayton (Zach). His grandchildren, Kaitlyn Houston Barnes (Ian), Jordan Houston, and Owen Slayton, and his great-granddaughter, Addelyn Barnes were a source of immense joy and pride, and he was a special part of all their lives.

He was a mentor, friend, healer and innovator.  Michael's legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched with his kindness, wisdom, generosity, love, warm heart and fun-loving sense of humor.  Our beloved husband, father, and grandfather whose love for God, passion for life and servant heart will be profoundly missed and forever celebrated.

Calling hours Baird Funeral Home, 555 North Market Street, Troy OH July 19, 2025, 1-4:00PM with Celebration of Life service immediately following.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to Big Brothers Big Sisters Miami Valley bbbsmiamivalley.org.

Big Brothers Big Sisters
22 South Jefferson Street, Dayton OH 45402
Web: http://www.bbbsmiamivalley.org