John was born in Asheville, North Carolina on October 24, 1953 to Ernest Eugene Poole and Mary McKosky Poole. He attended West Forsyth High School/Kernersville Wesly and left early to join the Navy. After the Navy, he completed high school at Forsyth Technical Institute. Later in life he completed a five year apprenticeship with the IBEW. As an electrician, John worked for Tyson Foods retiring with over 14 years of service.
He proudly serviced his country in the United States Navy. During his four years with the military, he was most proud of his time spent in Iceland on the USS Nimitz.
John loved the Lord and sharing Jesus with everyone. John truly had a heart for missions. This love of missions even led him to a trip to Korea where he met his wife, Marcia. He was a proud member of Winston Salem First where he went on and funded many missions trips.
Anyone who met John would describe him as loving and caring, and most of all a giver. He was truly selfless and gave to anyone in need.
John is survived by his wife of 37 years, Marcia Pankey Poole; children, Sarah Poole and Joshua (Hannah) Poole; grandchildren, Brenton, Lila, Evan, and Emma; siblings, Mary Ann England, Albert (Cynthia) Thompson, Juanita (Robert) Hutchins, Vernon (Kathy) Poole, and Margaret (Mark) Palmer; close family friend, Madi Harbuck; and many nieces, nephews, and loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ernest Poole; and brother-in-law, Robert England.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 22nd at 11am at Winston Salem First. There will be a gathering of family and friends prior to and following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to City Lights Ministry at 1600 Williamson St., Winston-Salem, NC 27107.
