John William Pope (October 12, 1911 – January 31, 1993) was an American businessman born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and the founder of Variety Wholesalers. He began his retail career during the Great Depression by opening his first dime store, named Variety Store, in Henderson, North Carolina, on April 1, 1939. Over the decades, he expanded it into a major discount retail chain with stores across the Southeastern United States, emphasizing low prices and family values. A conservative businessman, Pope was the father of Art Pope and the late brother of Art Pope. He was also a former Variety Wholesalers executive. His legacy includes the John William Pope Foundation, a philanthropic organization based in Raleigh, North Carolina, that supports conservative policy groups, educational institutions, humanitarian efforts, and the arts, reflecting his commitment to traditional values and community support. He resided primarily in North Carolina throughout his life and died in Raleigh at the age of 81.