Howard Poole Obituary

Howard Poole, 82, of Louisville, died Sunday, June 8, 2003. He owned the Dizzy Whizz Restaurant at 217 W. St. Catherine St. for more than half a century. The restaurant began as a ten stool dining car in 1947. Poole followed it with two other restaurants, notably the former Dizzy Whizz at 2nd and Broadway, open 24 hours a day for decades. In the years before many of Louisville's homeless shelters opened, Poole fed the poor at no charge. For this and his commitment to the city, former Mayor Dave Armstrong awarded him a key to the city and named June 26 "Howard Poole Day". The former Louisville Board of Aldermen voted to call an unnamed street beside the restaurant "Howard Poole Alley". At the street's dedication, it was said that "a lot of hungry people have wandered down Howard Poole Alley through the years, hoping for something to eat. Howard has fed them all-with many meals and a deeply caring heart." He believed that caring for others is not just good business sense, it also enriches life and pleases God. Poole was past president of the Louisville and the Kentucky Restaurant Associations, an elder and a member of Harvey Browne Presbyterian Church for 33 years, a "lifetime member" of the downtown YMCA, one of the first and most enthusiastic season ticket holders to U of L basketball and an active member of Old Louisville organizations. He is survived by his wife, Millie Poole; two sons, Scott Poole and Tim Poole; a daughter, Vicki Poole; a daughter-in-law, Rebecca Poole; a granddaughter, Nicole; a brother, Russell Poole; and a sister, Katherine Goodman. All are invited to the funeral service at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 12, 2003, at Harvey Brown Presbyterian Church, 311 Browns Lane, with burial in Cave Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday and 1-8 p.m. Wednesday at family-owned Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Rd. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Howard Poole Hunger Fund c/o Harvey Browne Church, 311 Browns Lane, Louisville, KY 40207.

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Published by Courier-Journal on Jun. 9, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Howard Poole

9 Entries

Vicki Poole

July 7, 2003

Thank you to all who have written kind words here. The many expressions of sympathy and prayers we have received have helped us through this time and will continue to give us comfort in the days ahead. God's grace and peace be with you always, The Poole Family

Tina Foster

July 2, 2003

Millie, Tim, Scott and Vicki -

We just found out about the passing of Mr. Poole today. We had the opportunity to work with Mr. Poole for many years. He was always such a sweetheart and a delight to work with. He always knew how to put a smile on our face and brighten our day. We always thought he was a terrific fellow and after reading about his many good deeds in the paper we’ve learned just how wonderful a human being he was to so many in our community!

We wish you peace of heart and happy memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Tina Foster, Phil McCauley and Doug Kraft

Tammy Sutter

June 14, 2003

I used to work at Dizzy Whizz, and today I stopped in and found out about Howards passing. What a great guy heaven has gained. Millie, my prayers are with you and your family and I know Howard is in a wonderful place. God bless you all.

Scott Poole

June 13, 2003

Growing up - my father made it a point to instill in all of his children information and experiences he felt we needed to have in the "real world". He also taught us how important being part of a family is. He instilled values in us which I'm only starting to appreciate now - since I've had the time to reflect back and think about my dad. My dad lead by example and showed us all how to survive. Those of you who knew my dad will remember him for his generosity, hospitality and his tenderness. He always made himself available to help others. As a child growing up my dad's traits become woven into the fabric which became part of our lives. Reflecting back, I'm only now starting to realize all of the things we really do take for granted. My dad was truly one of the people others went to help solve their problems and seek advise. Dad I know we are all going to miss you. You will always be a part of our hearts and soul and you have helped mold us into the people that we have become. I love you and miss you, your son Scott

Kellie Mudd

June 10, 2003

To the family of Howard Poole,may God help you through your time of mourning for a greatly loved man.He cared a lot about his family,former and current employees,and the homeless.God is greeting him with open arms because of his deeds.In loving Memory,Kellie McDonald Mudd(Kay McDonald's daughter,from 2nd&Broadway resturant)

Jerry and Sandy Gardner

June 10, 2003

May God's grace be with you during this period. Our prayers are with you also.

Marc & Jennifer Gardner

June 10, 2003

Millie, Tim, Becky, Scott and Vicky may Jesus calm your heart and be with you during this time. Our Prayers are with you now and always.

Betsy Terrell Pollock

June 10, 2003

You all are in our prayers, old neighbors, for comfort to surround you, hold you, and bring you through your time of grief with God's peace and joy.

Kyle Blackwell

June 9, 2003

Grace and Peace of God for Howard and his Family. It is an honor to know such a fine man and his loving family.