Ruby W. Poe

DAWSON SPRINGS - Ruby W. Poe, 93, passed peacefully at his home, on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. He was born Oct. 30, 1930, in Olney, to the late David Moody and Ollie Calvert Poe.

Ruby was a 1948 graduate of Charleston High School and attended Western Kentucky Teachers' College, where he met the love of his life, Elaine Davis. He began teaching in a one room school house in Daniel Boone, lodging with the Boodalum Blain family and then at St Charles School. He then entered the US Army, serving in Panama from 1952 to 1953. He had the privilege of riding the Battleship Valley Forge through the Panama Canal. After his military service, he married the late Elaine Davis in Jan. of 1954. Deciding that "teaching" was not for him, he went to work for the Illinois Central Railroad, on the recommendation of George Quiggins. His first work for the railroad was at the Dawson Springs Train Station, where he had to learn to telegraph using Morse code. He became a prolific telegrapher and worked his way up to a traveling train agent, where he gained great respect from his fellow railroaders. The railroad later became the Illinois Central Gulf and finally the P&L, where he played a vital part in setting up their system. He retired in Jan. 1991, after 42 years of service, never missing a day of work due to illness. After railroad retirement he went to work for the South Hopkins Water District, retiring after 25 years. He knew "every" water line, the size of the pipe and where every connection and hydrant were. He was often kidded that his headstone would be a fire hydrant.

Ruby was a lifelong member of Adriel Baptist Church, serving there in many positions during his life, including Deacon for over 75 years. He loved the Lord and the Church. He was loved and respected by many, and touched many lives.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine, on Nov. 14, 2005, a beloved son-in-law, a great-great grandson, his parents and all of his siblings, being three sisters and two brothers.

He and Elaine had four children, whom he is survived by, Elaine Charisse Knight, Randy (Sandi) Poe, Margaret (Ray) Purdy and Kim (Steve) Gilliam. He is survived by six grandchildren, Jessica, Chris, Taylor, Angel, Chele and Olivia; 15 great-grandchildren; and five great-great grandchildren. He was loved and adored by all, and was affectionally known as "Papaw Poe." He is also survived by a host of cousins, nieces and nephews, a brother-in-law and a multitude of friends.

Services for Mr. Poe will be on Saturday, March 2, at Beshear Funeral Home in Dawson Springs. Visitation starting at 11 a.m. and followed by a 2 p.m. funeral.

Officiating the services will be his pastor of the last 20 years, David Frisby.

Pallbearers will be Chris Poe, Zack Skimehorn, Josh Franklin, Gauge Weatherwax, Jed Killough, and Patrick Bean. Honorary pallbearers will be Jon Blalock, Billy Parrish, Jim Holloway, Bob Tucker, and Ron Coats.

Burial will follow at McNeely Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Gideons', Door of Hope, DAPS, Hopkins County Food Bank, or Hopkins County Humane Society.