Richard Spinks Poole

Richard Spinks Poole, Major General (ret.)(MSNG) passed away on March 1, 2026 in Gulfport, Mississippi at the age of 88. MG Poole was a servant of the Lord and a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

In 1955, while a senior at DeKalb High School, he enlisted in the Mississippi Army National Guard as a member of the 786th Transportation Company in Scooba, Mississippi. Thus began a 42 year military career which culminated with his service as commander of the 66th Troop Command and Assistant Adjutant General of Mississippi. He was active duty for 31/2 years during his career.

His most notable federal awards included: the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal.

His top state awards included: the Mississippi Magnolia Cross, Magnolia Medal, and the Mississippi War Medal.

After retirement, he served as President of the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum Foundation Board of Directors and was named East Mississippi Community College 2025 Alumnus of the Year.

Richard and his wife, Mary Lou, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in 2025. They have two children, Colonel (ret.) Richard Payne Poole (Connie) and Mary Ellen Solich (Justin); along with four grandchildren SFC Richard Poole, PO1 Nicholas Poole, Spencer Poole, and Abigail Poole; along with a great grandson, Hunter Poole.

He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Ashley, mother Ellen Newell, father Francis Marion, sister Mary Winner Dudley, and great aunt and uncle George and Verna Payne.

MG (ret.) Poole's funeral service will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026 at 10:30 AM, at the McDonald Funeral Home Chapel, Picayune, MS. He will be laid to rest with full military honors.

Visitation will be on Monday, March 9, 2026 from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM at McDonald Funeral Home.

Burial will be at New Palestine Cemetery under the direction of McDonald Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum Foundation - 850 Forrest Ave W, Camp Shelby, MS 39407, or to East Mississippi Community College - https://www.eastms.edu/alumni/donations/index.html.