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James Poole Obituary
Raleigh
James Gregory Poole, Jr. was born on December 18, 1934 to Irene Rand Poole and James Gregory Poole, Sr. at the first Rex Hospital on South Street in Raleigh. After a brief illness, he died surrounded by his loving family on December 29, 2018.
Greg grew up in Raleigh where he attended public school until the 9th grade when he chose to go to Culver Military Academy in Culver, Indiana. He was Regimental Commander his senior year. His love of Culver, its focus on the mind, body and spirit, combined with the relationships he built there with his fellow classmates, were strong influences in his life.
After graduating from Culver in 1953, he attended Davidson College; he was a quarterback on the football team. After two years he transferred to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated in 1957. After serving six months in the Army Reserves, Greg went to work for the Gregory Poole Equipment Company, which his father founded in 1951. He became President and CEO in 1964 and retired in 1998. Greg helped his father develop MacGregor Downs and later founded MacGregor Development Company, which developed Lochmere and MacGregor Park in Cary.
Greg's life was characterized by a remarkable knack for developing lasting friendships with all those he encountered. He had a great passion for his community and greatly influenced much of what we enjoy in Raleigh today. In his later years he worked tirelessly advocating for the establishment of the Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh. In addition, he spent considerable time developing his basket weaving and woodworking skills, and loved sharing his work with others.
Greg is remembered and admired most not for his considerable accomplishments, but for his character and love of people. His life was framed by his father's high school class motto, "Building for Character, not for Fame".
Greg is survived by his four children, James Gregory Poole, III, Barbara Alyson Poole, William Kenan Poole (Stephanie) and Edward Ashton Poole (Fran); eight grandchildren, James Gregory Poole IV, Sarah Lane Poole, John Braxton Poole, Caroline Claire Poole, William Kenan Poole II, Richard Harrison Poole, Edward Ashton Poole, Jr., and Patricia Vaughan Poole. He is also survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Mary Ann Dailey Poole, and his former wife and mother of his children, Barbara Hatcher McDonald. He was predeceased by his sister, Jean Poole Enderle, and his parents.
A visitation is planned for Tuesday, January 1, 2019, from 3:00-5:00 pm at the Flowers Cottage, Dorothea Dix Park, 2105 Umstead Drive, Raleigh.
A Witness to the Resurrection service in his honor will be held at White Memorial Presbyterian Church at 11:00 am on Wednesday, January 2, 2019. A reception will follow.
Memorial gifts in Greg's honor may be made to the White Memorial Presbyterian Church, Dorothea Dix Park, Camp Oak Hill or the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Poole
Sponsored by Bryan-Lee Funeral Homes - Raleigh.
February 7, 2019
I consider Barney as our steadfast leader.We spoke over the phone early last year and he was looking forward to getting together with other classmates at our 65th reunion.I am sorry I missed that event but would have enjoyed seeing everyone.My best to Barney's entire family.He was a remarkable man.Pete Wentworth
January 25, 2019
I was a Culver classmate of Barney's and a friend for 70 years. He was one of the most admirable men I have ever known. I last spoke to him on December 27th but he didn't mention being ill - typical of him. A very sad loss.
Jack Martinson
Culver Military Academy 1953
Phillip Matthis
January 11, 2019
My deepest sympathies and condolences to the entire Poole family. Mr. Poole was a wonderfully positive, kind, and generous man. I am thankful that I was able to work at GPEC under his leadership and to have had the opportunity to get to know him. May the everlasting memories of him and assurance that he is in his eternal home comfort you during this time of sorrow.
Joseph Rand
January 3, 2019
The passing of a loved one such as Greg is never an easy thing to bear. He was such an energetic, caring and compassionate man all of his life. Generosity and love of family were the very core of his nature. His funeral service was a beautiful testimony to a life well and fully lived. He meant so much to so many people beyond just family and he had a tremendous impact on our community and state. He has left his earthly family but we can draw solace from the knowledge that his parents (Irene & Greg, Sr.), grandparents and many aunts & uncles were waiting to welcome him home.
Our thoughts, prayers, love and support are with Greg's immediate family.
Joseph, Cheryl, Jonathan & Parker Rand
Bobby Heald
January 3, 2019
Just learned of Mr. Poole's passing.
Very sadden because he had such an
impact on my life. He and Roger Watson
hired me as tennis director at MacGregor
Downs Country Club in 1979. I taught
his "kids" tennis and his sister Jean
was also a friend. My sincere condolences
to the Poole family. Bobby Heald
Maria House
January 3, 2019
My family has held the Poole family in high regard for many years, since opening the Villa Capri in 1958...Greg Sr. was my father's first landlord.
As so many have written, the Pooles have a gift of making others feel their genuine compassion and concern. I know that my mother and father always treasured Greg Sr. and Jr's friendship and guidance. As I grew up in our business, I came to know and watch the Poole family grow. I do not think that there was a prouder patriarch!!
Please know that we lift each of you in prayer and praise God that Greg did not suffer long.
Maria Carbone House
Jane Lloyd
January 3, 2019
Me Poole attended our Virgilina Va Memorial Day Services. He was such a caring person about his roots in our community and Camp Oak Hill
Don Champagne
January 2, 2019
I'm sorry for your loss.
I first met Greg Jr. when Gregory Poole bought the Georgia Yancey Industrial group in 1994. Greg impressed me with his caring
character, he wanted everyone to feel good about the change and the way he could remember your name every time he visited the location. I found Greg to be very approachable, he will be missed.
F&D
January 2, 2019
We are saddened by your loss. May you find comfort in knowing that God collects our tears and is ready to comfort us in our moment of need - Psalm 56:8
Ron Barnwell
January 2, 2019
Mr. Poole was a model servant leader who trusted in the Lord's grace. Many have been inspired to lead and serve because of his bigger than life presence, yet humble heart. My heart sank when I saw the news of his passing, but rejoiced that he is in the presence of the Lord, his eternal homecoming.
Ron and Martha Barnwell
Mary Jane Humphries
January 2, 2019
Mr. Poole was a Wonderful man, as sweet as the coconut pies he loved. We will surely miss him coming to Camp Oak Hill an visiting an bringing good a fresh ideas. Thank You Mr. Poole for all you did, an for where you heart was, always thinking of others.. We love you an will miss you greatly..
Bobby&Carol McDaniel
January 2, 2019
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Vickie Snead
January 2, 2019
So sorry for your loss. My dad, Roy Lowery and Mr. Poole turkey hunted together many times. Mr. Poole would come to the house in Virgilina and sit and drink coffee while they talked "turkey" before heading to the woods. He was a very nice man and my dad thought a lot of him. Now they can talk turkey in Heaven.
Prayers for all of his family!
Bonita Stewart
January 1, 2019
I met Mr Poole a few times thru out my 5 year career @ Gregory Poole. He was always so soft spoken & would shake my hand when I'd see him. I am so sorry for your loss, you're
in my thoughts and prayers!
Michael Vessely
January 1, 2019
Although I only knew him for a brief time, he is one of the finest human beings I have ever encountered. I cherished every phone call, email and visit he made to the Culver golf course. My condolences to his lovely wife and Family.
Paul Sorrell
January 1, 2019
Whenever I saw Mr. Poole, he took the time to speak to me and made me feel valued. That made me proud to work for GPEC.
My prayers go out to his family.
Anne (Twiggs) Russell
January 1, 2019
Handsome Greg, my former neighbor on Marlowe Road.
KJ Metheny
January 1, 2019
Sending thoughts and prayers for the Poole family
John Massengill
December 31, 2018
I'm very grateful to have met Mr. Poole. I've always thought of him as one of those classic North Carolina gentlemen who understood the value of a kind word, a warm smile, and a very firm handshake. He will be greatly missed. Prayers for the family.
Peggy B. Reynolds
December 31, 2018
Many precious memories of Greg in the 1980's with my husband, Pete, and at Camp Oak Hill.
John Buck
December 31, 2018
Mr.Poole was a truly compassionate person.When my father passed away,he returned from England for his service and stood and offered a kind word.That will be with me forever.Thank you sir.
Joanne Beal
December 31, 2018
Mr. Poole was one of the most caring and genuine people I have ever known. He was always asking people how they were, how their familes were snd if there was anything je could do to help. He never missed an opportunity to tell his employees how proud he was of them for taking care of our customers. He was truly a wonderful person inside and out. I'm truly blessed to have had the opportunity to know and work with him through the years. My deepest sympathy and condolences to the Poole family.
George Strickland
December 31, 2018
Our sincerest condolences to everyone. Greg was a great man. I have good memories of spending time with him before I retired. Debbie and I were blessed to know him! God Bless
John Garner
December 31, 2018
Great memories of my time of serving in business for this dear man and close friend!
William Gramley
December 31, 2018
I played football at Davidson with Greg and always admired his decency and good character. We last met in Winston-Salem this summer with other of our classmates, so it was good to catch up with him, and now to offer my sympathy to his family and friends. He really was a solid fellow. Bill Gramley, class of 1957
Annette Barber
December 31, 2018
Mr. Poole was truly a great person and will be missed dearly. My son went to work with Gregory Poole after he returned from NADC. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Poole and really enjoyed speaking with him. Rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family
Rick Oriez
December 31, 2018
Such a great man. Our prayers to his family. Rick"Hot Rod Oriez and Stephanie Oriez
Tot Williams
December 31, 2018
Mary Ann and Kenan Poole,
I am so sorry Mary Ann for the loss of your loving husband.
Kenan,I am so sorry for the loss of your Grandaddy.
Stay strong and remember your good memories
Tot Williams
SANDRA LANKFORD
December 31, 2018
Sorry to hear about your loss.
Sandy Lankford
Mrs Mike Allen
December 31, 2018
Prayers of comfort and peace for the family. My husband was an employee of GPEC for 32 years before retiring with health issues. Mr. Poole would call and visit on occassion. It meant so much to know as an employee, we were family too. Such a wonderful man who meant so much to so many. He will truly be missed.
Terry Batchelor
December 31, 2018
I am sorry for the loss of your love one. Prayers for your family during this time.
David Lawrence
December 31, 2018
I only met him once and was thoroughly impressed by his strength of character.
December 31, 2018
"I enjoyed his company when he would make his "holiday" rounds going around the entire branch greeting everyone. Even without a nametag visible he knew my name!
-James Riddle
REUBEN and CAROLE HART
December 31, 2018
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY
Cheryl Foust
December 31, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss Mr.Poole was a sweet man and will be greatly missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you and you family.
Greg operating a D7 in 2017
Erik Christenbury
December 31, 2018
Greg operating a D6 9U in 2013
Erik Christenbury
December 31, 2018
Greg operating a D6 9U in 2013
Erik Christenbury
December 31, 2018
Greg speaking at the 2013 ACMOC National Banquet
Erik Christenbury
December 31, 2018
Greg speaking at the 2013 ACMOC National Banquet
Erik Christenbury
December 31, 2018
Greg being presented with a picture of his very first tractor
Erik Christenbury
December 31, 2018
Gregory Poole Jr. and Alex Keck of Burlington
Erik Christenbury
December 31, 2018
T. Jerry Williams
December 31, 2018
I think of Greg as a Raleigh and North Carolina icon and appreciate his service to the state and our city in many ways. Thoughts and prayers for the family and may he rest in peace,
James
December 31, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Ann Taylor
December 31, 2018
Dear Family,
I am so saddened to learn of Greg Jr.’s passing. I had known him since 1973 when I began working at the Washington branch of Gregory Poole Equipment Company. Later my late husband, Aubrey (Sonny) Taylor joined the staff in heavy equipment sales. Sonny was with the company for twenty-five years until his death in 1998. My son, Aubrey Taylor, lll works with the company in the Rental Division.
We thought the world of Greg Jr. He was truly a gentleman of such integrity and character. He will be missed by everyone, whose life he touched.
Will Pearce
December 31, 2018
Greg has been a significant part of my life, from my Mom's stories of her teen years with him and Jean out on Poole Road, to my childhood visits with him at his parents' glass house, to his role as a wise counselor during my adult years. Greg, you will be missed and memories of you treasured by our whole extended family.
John Burns
December 30, 2018
Mr. Poole was a kind and generous man, and I feel I was very lucky to get to know him over the last few years. My condolences to his family. The world is a better place because he was here. Thank you for sharing him with all of us.
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