On the evening of November 4, 2023, Arthur "Banister" Pope, Jr. passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family. He was 73 years old.

Born August 22, 1950, in Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY, he spent his childhood in Mobile, Alabama, before attending New York Military Academy for his high school education, the University of South Alabama for his undergraduate degree, and the University of Alabama for his Master of Fine Arts degree.

Banister led an unconventional life, guided by a sense of adventure and perpetually in search of beauty. He spent his 20's exploring the world, living everywhere from Amsterdam and Morocco to Antarctica.  He held a special love for the island of Formentera in Spain, where he said he spent some of the happiest days of his youth.

He was an artist by both nature and profession, and he enjoyed a long, successful career working the outdoor arts festival circuit across the US, where he met many of his dearest friends. A founding member of the National Association of Independent Artists and its first president, Banister was a lifelong champion for other artists, especially those just starting out. For 28 years, he was a fixture in Boone's creative community, offering encouragement, mentorship and occasional sarcasm to generations of young artists.

Banister was deeply devoted to the love of his life and bride of nearly 44 years, Janice, and a loving father to his two children, Arthur and Mary. He was a beloved brother, uncle, cousin, and friend to many.

He was warm-hearted and sensitive, wickedly funny, and justice-oriented. He loved thrift stores, Alabama football, and all animals, especially dogs, especially standard poodles, especially King Louie Andouille.

He is survived by his adoring wife, Janice Talley Pope; son, Arthur Banister Pope III; and daughter, Mary Talley Pope; as well as his sisters, Leslie Pope Garnett (Taylor) and Margaret Pope Cain; sister-in-law, Lillian Talley Cox (Charles); brother-in-law, John F. Talley (Peppi); nephews, Stanford Garnett (Kristen) and Fletcher Talley; nieces, Anne Maybank Cain Kellum, Margaret Taylor Firth (David) and Talley Cox Westerberg (Glen); and a gaggle of cousins, great-nieces & nephews, and many dear friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, Arthur Banister Pope, Sr. and mother, Mary Taylor Pope,; nephew, Bishop Garnett; brother-in-law, William L. Cain; and daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Young.

A memorial service will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at the Appalachian State University Student Union Solarium.

Donations can be made to the Appalachian State Department of Art fund 092775 to benefit students in drawing and painting.

Roll Tide!

Online condolences may be left www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Pope family.