Obituary for Randall Edward "Ran" Poole
John 14:2 ‘In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.’
Randall Edward Poole was welcomed into this world by his parents, John and Flossie Poole, on April 19, 1937. Affectionately known as “Ran,” he was a lifelong resident of Wattsville, Virginia entering his final rest on his beloved farm on January 23, 2023.
Randall became a member of the United Methodist Church when he was a young boy. He attended services and sang in the choir, and his favorite song to sing was Blessed Assurance. His favorite verse was John 14:2; he believed in the abundance of God and that God’s word will always hold true.
At an early age, Randall inherited the love to cultivate the soil from his father, Johnnie. As has been told, a father’s legacy is the sum of his choices. As a committed farmer, Randall survived the many challenges of operating a business and weathering storms for his farm to thrive. Randall made many sacrifices and always provided for his family and served his community well. Those choices were his priorities, which led to a life of significance and purpose.
Randall was joined in marriage with Shirley Jones on December 31, 1977, and she was by his side throughout life.
Randall wore many titles: husband, dad, brother, son, uncle, grandfather, friend, and the recent addition “Ran the Man.” He loved gardening, hunting, spending time with family, red Solo cups, pick-up trucks, spirited conversations, and telling you that you’re wrong. Always the supervisor, being a grandfather came naturally to him with the title of “Pop-Pop” being his favorite. He loved having any reason to share candy, milkshakes, hamburgers and donuts. He was a joy to everyone he met and had a knack for finding things to share a laugh about.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Flossie Poole; his siblings, Consuela Genies, Hillard Poole, and Everett Poole; his sons, Gary Ballard and Jeff Ballard; his close cousins, Barry Marshall and Purcell Poole; too many dear friends to count; and departed pets, Sheba and Buffy.
Randall leaves behind his wife, Shirley Poole with whom he shared a lifetime love and deep bond; children, Tammy Clark (Kenneth), Randall Poole, Jr. (Stacey), Gennine Hagar (Charles), Rhonda Poole-Thornton (Terry), Venson Waters, and Arthur Waters; sister, Althea Battle; siblings-in-love, Peggy Tunstall, Arthur Jones, Jr., Lorenzo Jones, Donald (Terrie) Jones, Susie Anderson, and Catherine Poole. His memory will live on in his grandchildren, Elias Poole, Cameron Poole, Christian, Kimberly, Marc Clark, Gary Ballard, Gregory Hagar, Donta Waters, Jesse Waters, Elizabeth Waters, Tierney Waters, and Shirdon Smith. He also shared a very special bond with his niece, Faithe Wallace and nephew, Derek Battle that will be dearly missed. God has removed the beloved community of Wattsville from Randall’s shoulders and handed it to the friends left behind. Ran had a life well lived and we will carry on.
Lovingly and sorrowfully submitted,
The Family
Randall Edward Poole was welcomed into this world by his parents, John and Flossie Poole, on April 19, 1937. Affectionately known as “Ran,” he was a lifelong resident of Wattsville, Virginia entering his final rest on his beloved farm on January 23, 2023.
Randall became a member of the United Methodist Church when he was a young boy. He attended services and sang in the choir, and his favorite song to sing was Blessed Assurance. His favorite verse was John 14:2; he believed in the abundance of God and that God’s word will always hold true.
At an early age, Randall inherited the love to cultivate the soil from his father, Johnnie. As has been told, a father’s legacy is the sum of his choices. As a committed farmer, Randall survived the many challenges of operating a business and weathering storms for his farm to thrive. Randall made many sacrifices and always provided for his family and served his community well. Those choices were his priorities, which led to a life of significance and purpose.
Randall was joined in marriage with Shirley Jones on December 31, 1977, and she was by his side throughout life.
Randall wore many titles: husband, dad, brother, son, uncle, grandfather, friend, and the recent addition “Ran the Man.” He loved gardening, hunting, spending time with family, red Solo cups, pick-up trucks, spirited conversations, and telling you that you’re wrong. Always the supervisor, being a grandfather came naturally to him with the title of “Pop-Pop” being his favorite. He loved having any reason to share candy, milkshakes, hamburgers and donuts. He was a joy to everyone he met and had a knack for finding things to share a laugh about.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Flossie Poole; his siblings, Consuela Genies, Hillard Poole, and Everett Poole; his sons, Gary Ballard and Jeff Ballard; his close cousins, Barry Marshall and Purcell Poole; too many dear friends to count; and departed pets, Sheba and Buffy.
Randall leaves behind his wife, Shirley Poole with whom he shared a lifetime love and deep bond; children, Tammy Clark (Kenneth), Randall Poole, Jr. (Stacey), Gennine Hagar (Charles), Rhonda Poole-Thornton (Terry), Venson Waters, and Arthur Waters; sister, Althea Battle; siblings-in-love, Peggy Tunstall, Arthur Jones, Jr., Lorenzo Jones, Donald (Terrie) Jones, Susie Anderson, and Catherine Poole. His memory will live on in his grandchildren, Elias Poole, Cameron Poole, Christian, Kimberly, Marc Clark, Gary Ballard, Gregory Hagar, Donta Waters, Jesse Waters, Elizabeth Waters, Tierney Waters, and Shirdon Smith. He also shared a very special bond with his niece, Faithe Wallace and nephew, Derek Battle that will be dearly missed. God has removed the beloved community of Wattsville from Randall’s shoulders and handed it to the friends left behind. Ran had a life well lived and we will carry on.
Lovingly and sorrowfully submitted,
The Family