Bobby V. Poole

Bobby V. Poole, age 83, of Gainesville passed away peacefully Friday, January 16, 2015 with family and friends by his side.

Born in Hall County, Georgia on May 20, 1931, Bobby was the son of Vasco Boone and Laura Ann Cagle Poole, and was married to the late Winnie Brock Poole. He was a graduate of Gillsville High School, and held his first job at New Holland Mill. After leaving New Holland Mill in his early 20s, Bobby began his career in the automotive repair industry where he served the community until he retired in 2008. Throughout his career, Bobby worked at many service stations located along Broad Street. He ended his career as owner and operator of Hall County's last remaining full service gas station, Poole-Ramey BP Amoco, located adjacent to the Northeast Georgia Medical Center; a business he owned for 40 years.

From an early age, Bobby was an active member of his church and community. As a member of Dunagan Chapel United Methodist Church for almost 50 years, he served on various committees, as a Lay Leader, and as Chairman of the Building Committee. Most recently, Bobby was a member of Air Line Baptist Church. His community involvement included the East Hall Boosters Club during his children's high school years, the Hall County Democratic Committee, and serving as a Supervisor on the Hall County Board of Elections. He and his wife, Winnie, also supported Brenau University, the Northeast Georgia Medical Center Foundation, many local schools and churches, as well as several non-profit organizations.

Bobby had a love for old cars, landscaping, local sporting events and traveling - especially to the beach with family. When he was not at the service station, Bobby was most often found outdoors tinkering with a car or maintaining his pristinely landscaped yard filled with flowers and crystal clear swimming pool. He also enjoyed attending East Hall sporting events, especially basketball games, with his best friend Clinton Howard. As a traveler, Bobby and his wife Winnie were fortunate enough to reach all four corners of the U.S., most of the 50 states and Canada. They traveled with both family and friends and found great joy in sharing photographs and memories of their trips with others.

Bobby never met a stranger and had countless friends and customers he selflessly helped no matter the need - he was truly a man with a generous heart. He was quick-witted and loved to laugh, but above all, worked tirelessly throughout his entire life to protect and provide for his family. Bobby was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend, and he will be truly missed by all who had the joy to know and love him.

He was preceded in death by his wife of almost 60 years, Winnie Brock Poole; father Vasco Poole; brothers Aubrey Poole, Charles Poole, and J.E. Poole; nephews, Randall Poole and Phil Poole; and great-nephew, Elliott Poole. He is survived by his 106 year-old mother, Laura Ann Poole, Gainesville; son and daughter-in-law, Dr. B. Ted and Doris Poole, Suwanee; daughter and son-in-law, Connie and Colonel Ben Hulsey (USAF, retired) Pike Road, Alabama; grandchildren, Julie Kriss and husband Scott Kriss, New Albany, Ohio; Brett and Brittany Poole, Suwanee; great-grandsons, Shane and Nate Kriss, New Albany, Ohio; sisters-in-law, Sylvia Poole and Eunice Poole, Lula; a number of nieces and nephews; and the family's special care giver, Susan Clark.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, January 19, 2015 at Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel. Interment will follow in the Dunagan Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday, January 18, 2015 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, GA 30501.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Living Hope Cancer Care Ministry, a ministry started by his daughter Connie, with a mission to reflect Christ's love by serving those touched by cancer and their families by offering hope, encouragement, and support. Living Hope Cancer Care Ministry, c/o First Baptist Church Montgomery, 305 South Perry Street, Montgomery, AL 36104.

Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 is in charge of arrangements. (770) 297-6200