Thomas Pooley

Thomas Pooley, 65
Thomas Pooley unexpectedly and abruptly passed on December 16, 2025. He was born on January 4, 1960 in Pontiac, Michigan to Ralph Pooley and Eleanor Lange. A resident of Okeechobee for 21 years, he loved playing with his dog, Sadie and hanging out with his bride, Andrea. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, tinkering with his Model A.
From the beginning Tom Pooley lived life to the fullest! As a youth growing up in Michigan with his three brothers they were avid outdoorsmen. He always liked tinkering with engines and the like and enjoyed taking things apart and reassembling them with passion. He developed an early love of farming with his own chicken operation then graduating to larger animals working on horse farms. In his late teens, he discovered the glamour of rodeo. With gusto he chose Bull riding as his event as well as bare-back Bronc riding! The greater the risk the great the reward and the fun!
Another perilous activity Tom pursued in his twenties and beyond was scuba diving, not just recreational diving, but advanced technical diving, search and recovery, Nitrox diving and game spearfishing. He earned many advanced certifications and instructed for many years. Again, the mantra, the greater the risk the great the reward and the fun!
In 1995, he met his wife, Andrea, on a scuba-diving trip where he was the First Mate. She fell in love with her "Pirate" and the rest of the love-story is history. She too shared his adventurous spirit (although less risky) and they shared many amazing experiences together! They married in 1998 and moved to Okeechobee in early 2004. It wasn't long after the move that Tom started his mobile mechanic business. Over the years his business blossomed, the size of his truck grew bigger and the wonderful relationships he developed with his friends in the Agricultural community strengthened immeasurably! In fact, on December 19th they would have celebrated 27 years of wedded Bliss!
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Eleanor Pooley; sister in law, Sue; niece, Bonnie; and nephews; Derek and Josh.
He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Andrea L. Pooley; brothers, Thad, of Louisiana, Matthew (Theresa) of Michigan, and Steven (Susan) of Michigan; beloved nieces and nephews in Louisiana and Michigan; and extended family through marriage in South Florida and California.
The family will receive friends from 12:00 pm until service at 1:00 pm on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Buxton Okeechobee Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to any FFA Chapter in Okeechobee.
Tom's departure is extremely abrupt and very sad, but his spirit is strong and will live on forever in the hearts of those that loved him.
Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at, www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com
All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida, 34972.