J.C. Ray Poole, 86, died Wednesday, May 4, 2016, at the North Mississippi Medical Center. He was born December 24, 1929, in Itawamba County to D.D. and Annie Belle Williams Poole. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church where he served as deacon. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1955 and went to Japan during the Korean War. He worked for National Springs and then Phillips Foscue before retiring from Leggett and Platt. His retirement was enjoyed by traveling with friends, hunting and fishing, and hanging out at Comer’s Café. He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was the self-appointed mayor of Dorsey.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, May 6, at the Bethel Baptist Church with Dr. Kevin Clayton and Bro. Tracy McMillen officiating. Burial will be in the Dorsey Memorial Cemetery. McNeece-Morris Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Bessie Ruth York Poole, whom he married August 11, 1952; three children, Renee Kelton and Eddie of Dorsey, Annette Bobo of Brandon, and Ginger Howell and Bill of Fulton; seven grandchildren, Amie Underwood, Lori Lawrence (Shaun), Matt Tyra (Vickie), Jason Bobo (Amber), Allison Porretto (Aaron), Brad Howell (Jessica), and Kristen Owens (Richard); and 16 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, L.Q. Poole; and one sister, Clytee Blake.
Pallbearers will be the deacons of Bethel Baptist Church. Honorary pallbearers will be the Comer’s Café coffee drinkers whom he enjoyed being with.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until service time Friday at Bethel Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Bethel Cares, c/o Bethel Baptist Church, 445 Bethel Church Rd., Fulton, MS 38843.
