I was reminded of Bob just yesterday- I read that his record of 67 points in a single basketball game was broken after 75 years- someone scored 70 points- I would like to point (pun intended) out that when Bob played , there was no 3 point line , so , in my mind , Bob still holds the record for the most points in a single game without a 3 point shot- just looking out for you ,Bob—- RIP

Blessed we all were who knew Bob Poole.  He was always a joy to meet in the halls at HBBC, as he would always take time to chat and share a joke or two.  He was always very knowledgeable about many topics.  May He and Martha Rest In Peace.
Cindy Henson

I am married to Bob Poole’s daughter, Karen.  It is very sad for me to say “good-bye” to such a great Father-In-Law.  He had to have been one of the most upbeat persons I have ever known.  He was so fun-loving, and he loved to joke around.  And he was so friendly to others.  So often if we were out to eat somewhere, he would strike up a conversation with the employees or nearby customers.  Each one of these exchanges started with him asking rather loudly:  “Where are you from?”  No matter where they were from, he would always have some angle where he could relate to it.  And the conversation would grow from there.  Needless to say, Bob was a huge presence in our family.  We will miss him tremendously. 

Dad joked around all the time, told story after story,  loved to laugh and make others laugh.  He never got mad or upset and was one of the most positive people around.
 
One of his great pleasures was watching kids play.  We had 2 basketball goals in our backyard and it was often filled with kids/teenagers/young adults who loved to slam dunk.  To put it in perspective, a normal goal is 10 feet to the rim….our goals were only 8 feet.  It was lowered so that people like Roy could dunk!  Lots of friendly competition and fun in that backyard - no anger, no fighting.  He taught us to be good sports, to play fair and to respect others. 

We called him Bear.  Not a scary bear but more like a teddy bear, or Pooh, even Yogi Bear.  A bear to love, to comfort, to treasure.  He called us his ‘birds’.  He was the father of 5.  My much, much older sister Kathy, then David, Roy, Robert and 4 years later, I arrived.  Since I was the only real athlete amongst his kids (:>), he loved going to my athletic events.  Even when I traveled out of town to play somewhere, Dad would show up.  I never asked him to be there because I knew he was always going to be there.  He just showed up.

We used to joke with him that he only worked 1 hour a week.  However, we all know that wasn’t true.  Dad was someone who always showed up - whether you were in need or distress, or to help you celebrate, to listen, to laugh, to tell stories.  He showed up for many of you who are celebrating his life.  Thank you for keeping his stories alive.  

I will always remember that Bob told me that he was “on the court” when Frank Selvy scored 100 points in a game for Furman in 1954. Bob was a great story teller - and most of his stories were true- OK , some were true—— and I know the Frank Selvy story was true because I checked it out

The first time I had a golf club in my hand was when we secretly borrowed Rev. Poole's clubs (thanks to David Poole).  We gathered in the church parking lot to practice driving.  My ball went straight through Rev. Poole's office window, landed in the middle of his desk as he was writing his sermon.  That was the last time I held a golf club.  He was good sport, but I'm sure my Dad, Punch Parker had to replace a window pane.
Rev. Poole led an exemplary life.  Please accept our most heartfelt condolences.  Warmest regards, Mike & Anna Parker

I am so sorry for your loss of uncle Bob. He was such a kind and caring person. I always looked forward to Bob and your family’s summer visits. It was so much fun for all of us to get together. My husband, Pickens, remembers how Bob made him feel part of the family from the very beginning. He particularly enjoyed Bob’s good sense of humor and talking with him about Furman and UNC basketball. Our son, Andrew, who is now 34, remembers to this day Bob working with him on his basketball dribbling skills when he was only 8 years old. This was typical of Bob’s kindness. We were fortunate to have had Bob in our lives and he will be truly missed. Love to all of you, Anne Newton Anderson

Dad, you were truly the best father anyone could ever hoped to have had. Honest, caring, fun-loving and dependable are just a few of the virtues that best described you.  We will carry you in our hearts until we meet again!
Love..
Robert Jr.

Dear Family, 

I am so deeply sorry to read of Pastor Poole's passing.  He was such a wonderful man and pastor.  I attended Shiloh Baptist Church when he was here and I still do.  The McLellan's were our neighbors and friends.  Aubrey was our pastor and he and Pastor Poole were close friends.  As well as many pastors since then.   I will remember Pastor Poole for his willingness to help others,  his comforting manner,  his smile and friendliness.  I am sure God said to him when he reached heaven's gates, "Well done they good and faithful servant".   My prayers are with you for comfort, peace and strength during this time of great loss.  May your memories bring you comfort as you think of him and his life.   

God Bless you, 
 Anita Barnard Whitehurst

Great memories from the mornings at Hardee’s on Creedmoor Road, where Bob held forth as the “Chairman of the Bored.” Many of that crew have gone on before Bob, so I expect there is a heavenly get-together to rehear the stories of the unusual and hilarious events Bob experienced during his life in ministry and military. My heartfelt condolences to the family.

While Pastor Poole lived in the parsonage in Pine Level , I would babysit his children .. I lived across the highway from his family ! There were so many times , I wanted to give up .. his girls and boys were just so active !! But I loved this family so much !! 
      My name is Delane Tart , and my parents were Minya and L.P. Creech .. love and prayers to all of you ,, beautiful family !!❤️

I have many memories as one of Robert's former staff workers in the ministry.   I knew him to be a level-headed effective decision-maker.   One of his greatest gifts was administration.  I watched him lead meetings and tiptoe through sensitive issues bringing everyone through the decision working together.  He was a solid leader.  He and Martha also raised a great family.  He lived to watch his children succeed in sports and life.  So sorry for your loss.  Blessings to you all.     Stanley Spence

 David, Roy, Robert, Karen and I were so blessed to have Bob Poole as a dad. At home with us he was exactly what you’d think.  Kind, understanding, involved and so much fun.  Very, very thankful for him!❤️

Lee and I are so sorry for your loss! We have so many memories of Rev Poole at Corinth! 
The one that comes to mind is when I was about 8 mos pregnant and we got hit by another car going to work. The ambulance took me to the ER.. I looked up .. you got it.. Rev Poole was there with Lee and I!!
So glad to see him.. he prayed and supported us.. God is good.. all was well!! 
You all will be in our thoughts and prayers!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Lee and Minnie Hyde

Bob and I were classmates at Clayton High School and lifelong friends.  We had two things in common.  I played with him in that famous basketball game in 1950.  To achieve the record of 67 points scored in a single game, he bragged that he stole the ball from me many  times during  the game.  That wasn't true of course. We fed him ball after ball.  The other thing we had in common is that we were both Baptist ministers, having gotten our start at First Baptist, Clayton. Bob had a pastor's heart and an outstanding ministry.   He used his love of recreation as a way of ministry to those in his congregations, especially young people.   Rest in peace, my friend.  You were better than I.                  

 




Mr. Poole will always hold a special place in my heart.  He was my pastor for 29 years.  He married and baptized me and my three sisters.  Corinth Baptist Church was never the same after Mr.Poole retired.  Hugs and prayers to the family, he was a special person who definitely earned his place in heaven.

Love, Terry Horton Jordan

I was a member of Corinth Baptist in Elizabeth City for many years. Pastor Poole officiated at my wedding in 1985 as he did all my siblings before me.  My sincere condolences to the family on the passing of this wonder and Godly man but we can all rejoice in his Homecoming!

Dear Poole Family,
I have so many wonderful memories of Mr. Poole.  His laughter, smiles, jokes were so special.  He was always there for you with words of encouragement and comfort.  Your house was one of the best hangouts as we were growing up.  Mr. Poole definitely made a huge impact on my life.  I was blessed to have him  marry Tim and I and be there for our children.  Sending love and hugs to each one of you.  Love you all.  Susan Horton Brown

OBITUARY

Rev. Robert "Bob" Burnett Poole, Sr.

August 12, 1931 – January 18, 2022

Mitchell Funeral Home at Raleigh Memorial Park

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