Glaston "Gene" Pool

He was born on Friday May 9th, 1930 in SoSo, Mississippi, to his parents, Kerny and Bessie Pool.

At age 17, Gene joined the United States Marine Corps. He served in both the Korean and Vietnam wars, made life-long friendships and traveled the world. After serving in both wars, Gene was stationed at the Marine Corps Headquarters, as a recruiter in Mississippi, where he established connections with aspiring young Marine prospects. Gene returned from Okinawa on Independent Duty to Knoxville, Tennessee. During this time, Captain Pool moved in across the street from Peggy, who became the love of his life; they have been happily married for 46 years. His last duty station was in Camp Pendleton, California. Gene was commissioned Major Pool upon retirement after serving for 30 years. He was Physical Plant Director at both MSJC in California and Pellissippi State in Tennessee.

After retiring from his post-military endeavors, he volunteered for the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. He proudly served as President at the state Level for Tennessee.

Gene was a caring husband and devoted father to Melissa and Thomas.

Gene could be found cooking pancakes early in the mornings, and cornbread in the evenings with dinner; he had the recipes perfected. He enjoyed gardening on warm summer days, and reading anything from encyclopedias to Charles Dickens. He loved sharing knowledge and planting wisdom with everyone he met. Gene was a brave, intelligent, and successful man. He loved his family more than anything. He and his granddaughter Madison were particularly close, spending her youth bonding over tractor rides around the farm and checking Bluebirds’ nests in their birdhouses. Gene also had a close bond with his grandson Noah, who arrived 9 years after Madison.

He is survived by his loving wife, Peggy Pool, and his children Melissa Bright and Thomas Bright. His grandchildren are Madison Bright and Noah Owens. In addition, Gene is survived by his siblings Mae Smith, Merle Griner, Christine Beech, and his brother Walter Pool.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.