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Randall Locke Obituary
Poodie Locke once described his life as Willie Nelson’s longtime stage manager this way: “When we’re out on the road doing those one-nighters, we can’t wait to get home, but then after a couple of days back home we can’t wait to get back on the road.” In Willie’s band of gypsies, Locke was the gentle giant, the wild-eyed ringleader who had a hug for everyone no matter how much else was going on.
An employee at Poodie’s Hilltop Bar and Grill has confirmed that Locke passed away today of a suspected heart attack. The Waco native, who has been Willie’s trusted sidekick since 1974, was apparently found Wednesday at his Briarcliff house. He was 56.
“He was the heart and soul of the road crew,” said Joe Nick Patoski, author of the Nelson biography “An Epic Life.” Patoski said that although Willie’s crew looked unorganized, they got it done, day in and day out. “Poodie always took care of business first.”
Locke met Nelson when Poodie was 12. Before hooking up with Willie just before “Red Headed Stranger” blew up, Locke was a roadie for B.W. Stevenson.
“Indecision may or may not be our biggest problem,” Locke quoted his boss as summing up the life of being on the road for up to 275 days a year. “We’ve got the best job in the world,” Locke said last year in a Statesman story on the longevity of Nelson’s crew.
Poodie Locke was one of a kind, there’s no doubt about it. You can be sure that Willie is devastated. A member of the immediate road family has passed on.
Memories and Condolences
for Randall Locke
332 Entries
Help me with the history of this great piece of history!
January 15, 2017
Was he known as "T Snake"? If so I have his Gold record for the movie Honeysuckle Rose. Can any one help me with the history of this record?
Mexico Molino de Agua
Trish Dickinson
June 10, 2016
Typical Poodie
Trish Dickinson
June 10, 2016
Mexico with the White Micheal Jackson adn Pat
Trish Dickinson
June 10, 2016
Poode , Waylon adn Trish
Trish Dickinson
June 10, 2016
Sally Lockyer
September 23, 2014
Met Poodie in Brisbane Queensland Australia decades ago, was quite the gentleman. So sad to know he passed.
Sally Lockyer
September 23, 2014
Met Poodie in Brisbane Queensland Australia decades ago, was quite the gentleman. So sad to know he passed.
Dusti Rhodes
July 21, 2014
One of my favorite Poodie quotes, backstage at the Fillmore some years ago: "If my gut was my butt my britches'd fit." One of a kind, and surely missed.
Ronnie Barrett
June 25, 2014
Meet Poodie at a Waylon tribute years ago. he was a class act and if there is a golf course in heaven I know he is having No Bad Days.
Elena Herrera
November 20, 2013
Here it is November 2013 and as always - you'll always be remembered fondly. The good times are priceless and you are missed Poodie. Rest in Peace
Cris Anastopoulos
August 11, 2013
Poodie ,You and Bee Go Have a Beer with Jody .He'll be looking for you guys ....and save me a spot on that cloud yer all on....
Phillip Wiseman
July 27, 2013
God Bless Poodie........We Miss You.......
Corky Baines
March 20, 2013
When you move you touch with friends as a Roadie Poodie and I cross paths . Going to miss you my friend RIP
February 6, 2013
Thinking of you today
Stephanie Lambring
October 27, 2012
Missing you darlin! The road goes on forever but for me the party is over.Love and Miss you today and always!
September 4, 2012
just check'in 1. 2. 3. okay Poodie ....just check'in.....in
LA County Fair 2005
Kelly Giannini
June 3, 2012
3 years since my aol messenger has popped up with a hello from you..3 years since I have seen you and 3 years of deep sadness since God decided it was time for you to come home. I used to think that I was the only one who knew what an amazing person you truly were but you touched 100's if not 1000's of lives and for that I am even more honored and blessed to have known you. Always the gentleman who treated me with respect, made me laugh till I cried and offered the VIP treatment whenever I was fortunate enough to join you and Jodie on the bus before and after all the Cali gigs. I am so glad that we had some time together at The Morongo Casino just a few short months before I heard the devastating news. After 28 years of hanging out with you from Vegas to Palm Springs you called us your oldest and most faithful "Goupies" and that was an honor. I love you & Miss you deeply Poodie, like no other!! Rest in peace & if Heaven allows it..I'm sure you are wearing your Orange Texas Longhorn hat & making everyone laugh.
Jack Safarick Jr
June 10, 2011
My brother Poodie, though you have been gone from this side of life and are so missed! You are and shall always be with me in my heart and soul. I love and miss you but know we shall see each other again when I get over there. Stay in peace brother, with my love, always.
Mark &Sandi Sharp Schulte
Sandi Sharp Schulte
May 7, 2011
I Can't believe it's been three years sence you have passed on. I think of you every day & I cherish the friendship we had for 34 years. You have taught me so much I could never repay you but through Respect. I LOVE YOU Poodie & I still keep in contact with your Beloved Shaye. We miss you honey nothing is the same without you in our LIVES.
cris anastopoulos
May 5, 2011
love you big boy ...miss you so much ...cris
Bob Gifford
February 22, 2011
To a Angel that flew to close to the ground.
Stephanie Lambring
October 5, 2010
Another birthday has come and gone. Another day without the phone ringing and it being you.Always missed Always loved Always in our hearts.
Stephanie Lambring
December 26, 2009
It has been many months and we have celebrated your birthday and Thanksgiving and yesterday Christmas. Nothing is the same but we each carry you in our hearts now and forever. Your marker is beautiful and I have scattered bluebonnet seeds across you and your Dad.When I see a bluebonnet or hear a Willie Nelson song it will now have an even more special meaning. Miss you and love you. Ron and Stephanie
Nathaniel Reindl
October 14, 2009
God Bless Poodie. Many condolences to his family, on and off the road. My wife and I had a few opportunities to work with him when Willie came through Green Bay. He was always a class act, to his crew and ours. My fondest memory of him was the last time he came through when Willie played at the casino here, and he pulled me aside and told me he remembered me from a couple of years before and felt bad about not getting me one of Willies' guitar picks. He then gave me a handfull and told securtiy to get the meet n greeters out of the way because Willie was coming and wanted to thank the local crew. You will be missed Brother. Nathaniel and Heather Reindl-Haluska, I.A.T.S.E. Local 470
Kevin Wright
August 29, 2009
August 30th.The Wright family from Auckland,New Zealand.Kevin,Diane,David and Lisa.Words cannot discribe how we all felt when we heard the news of Poodies passing.We have known Poodie for a very long time and we will miss him greatly.Condolences to his Mum Gloria and family.
Helen Helm
August 17, 2009
My condolences go out to Poodies family , I know that everyone that writes what they feel about Poodie is so sincere as he was one of the nicest men I ever met , was back in 1984 when I moved here from Australia , I met my then husband Ree through the Willie fan club , so many concerts , so many miles so many chats with Poodie , always unbeleivably nice to all ...... gosh it does not seem real that he is no longer with us ...and his loss is a big one , cannot say enough about the man who just made you feel like a special fan .
Helen "Breeden" Helm
Laura Luchsinger
July 15, 2009
Poodie embodied the word "Texan". I was proud to have known him and sorry to have lost touch. But the memories will forever remain. Thank you Poodie - just for being you.
Jake Gianassi
July 9, 2009
I had the privilege of knowing Poodie from the time I was a very little kid up to today. My dad would take my sister and I to Willie shows all over and Poodie was like my backstage dad. I have a lot of great memories of hanging out at shows and after with Poodie and going to a Willie show just won't be the same anymore. I can only hope that there's a big bottle of tequila up in heaven that Poodie's drinking from while sharing stories and laughing with the angels. Thank you for everything, Poodie. You'll be sorely missed.
Anita Barnes
June 24, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
June 16, 2009
Nicest guy in the music biz. Though, my dad "rocket" laughed when the preacher said he was tollerant.He always had open arms and treated everyone the same. He did not tollerate bs because he was not. I miss you much. harry the hat
June 13, 2009
Poodie's on the road, again. He's taking a different path than the rest of us. He's leading the way. Keep the light bright, we'll follow when it's our time. See you there!
KKY (Whitehouse, TX...oh, Spud called it Buncome)
Evie Gill
June 10, 2009
Oh, Poodie, how I remember so well, the night at the Tree House. Me my boyfriend Mark and you, being silly, all of us in the men's restroom! Yep that's right, it was a riot and I do remember your laugh and your wit. Your with God now so go lightly down that path. We were first introduced by my sister Dinah Edwards. Evie Combs Gill-blues singer
Dinah Edwards
June 10, 2009
Poodie, I still can't believe you are gone. And I'm so glad you found the love of your life. Shaye, I loved your man as everyone did, and I'm still devastated. RIP Poodie.
Beverly Neville
June 9, 2009
Our prayers of support and comfort are sent to all of the family and friends of Mr. Randall "Poodie" Locke
Bree Gianassi
June 8, 2009
I will always remember Poodies laugh and voice. He is a special man and I know the ones he touched are blessed to have known such a man.
Mark Haynes
June 7, 2009
Poodie, g'dammit, .. you were supposed to outlive us ALL my friend...
But it was a good ride, eh?
Feeling your BIG heart in my Head right now.. vaya con dios amigo...
Mark Haynes (an old sound guy)
Poodie and the boys.
June 6, 2009
Johnathan Haynes
June 6, 2009
Poodie we don't pass away quitely, we go the heaven and regroup. Rangers lead the way.
Mark Gianassi
June 4, 2009
Poodie Locke was more than a friend to me, he included me into his family with Mama, Big Jim, Cindi Lou and the kids ... times we spent together, I will never forget. We met in 1975, friends ever since, and as I have said so often, we did things that make fish swim, he had this way of saying my name that I can hear his voice now calling me across the stage ... I will miss dearly my friend and brother and carry that memory of a man with a heart as big as Texas for the whole world he met and touched by being just ...well ... Poodie. Angels are laughing and singing right now, with Poodie running the show. I loved you when you were here, I love you now for giving me that light that was and still is Poodie. There is no one to fill those shoes.
Rhonda Traylor
June 3, 2009
"Six Degree's of Poodie"is the name I gave all the wonderful people it was my great fortune to meet because . . . Poodie said it would be ok to call you.You never knew what the next adventure was going to be, but one thing you knew for sure, it was going to be fun!Tell Benny that we expect you two to have the Party started for the rest of us.It was an honor and a privilege to have known you!My deepest sympathy to everyone that loved and will miss you.May the legend live on in the memories each and every time a Poodie story is told!
E.Nathan Allen
May 30, 2009
Good food and good humor, Of course I can't forget the HUGS. Godspeed my friend & I shall be reminded of you everytime the Red Headed Stranger plays.
Me and the Big Man....
Norman Draper
May 26, 2009
kel
May 26, 2009
What a huge loss in our lives and our hearts.... i'll see you and Pistol Pete soon... sure gonna miss those hugs.
Poodie with twisted sisters Rita and Pattie at Farm Aid 07?
Rita MarandaBrown
May 25, 2009
" POODIE" James Randall Locke died May 6,2009 RIP
My good friend of 33 years Willie Nelsons Extroidinary Stage Manager
I will always be grateful for your friendship. You brought so much joy into my life.
You treated me like family from the start and you will forever be in my view
Heaven will be more fun, more effecient and more LOVING because of you.
You will be missed each and every day in so many ways. I am not alone
Your beautiful Shaye, Your lovely Mom, Sister, Willie, Bobby,band, and crew.
All your family and friends and you have thousands of them are missin you.
You left us too soon, to fly to the moon, If I could sing a tune, It would be.
Blue Eyes Cryin in the rain, The road will never be the same,
Your time here was too short, The heavens are sending down the rain.
I want you to know my friend, That my love for you will never end
That the memories we share are right here in my heart forever
33 years of good times with you Poodie you were like my brother
You took time for me and everyone else, a wink from the corner of the stage
You gave out hugs like they were candy, you always went the extra mile
A visit to the bus, A backstage pass or two and you always had a smile
All of these things I will miss about you, But it is your big heart of gold
The many stories you always told, the funny jokes, the raspy voice
You put in your time on the road and took care of us, it is time for you to rejoice
Be at PEACE and keep the heavens Rockin
written by Rita Maranda Brown
May 2009
Buddy Whittington
May 21, 2009
Anybody see the Letterman show when Willie was on, and after the song ended Letterman walked over toward the band and said, 'Awright, which wunna you guys is POODIE?'
Shari Newlon
May 21, 2009
I met Poodie in Fort Worth at Billy Bob's about 10 years ago. My deepest sympathies to the Family. He will be greatly missed.
Michelle Richardson-Cortese
May 20, 2009
I was shocked to hear of the passing of Poodie, I had to privilege to meet Poodie when Willie was playing in Pueblo, CO. We became good friends and kept in touch for many years. He was one of a kind.....
Patsy Tadlock
May 17, 2009
So sorry to hear Poodie left this world. I had the privilege to meet him at Willie's shows. He shook my hand like I was an old friend. I wish I had been there for all those "good days" with him and Willie and family. So sorry for your loss. My family and I will be thinking and praying for you and yours.
Cindi Lou Locke
May 16, 2009
Poodie Locke.....My brother was the epitomy of a great man, a great Texan, for as we know he lived a life larger than most peple could ever imagine.May his life always stay alive in our storys and memories of him...my big brother and my hero forever.....
lunch in Vancouver
onemanbanned
May 16, 2009
Poodie...you meant a whole lot to many people. We'll always remember drinking with you and laughing with you. Thanks for helping us to make such great memories. You will be missed by so many. You're a special man, Poodie.
We'll see you up there...
Ronny & Steve
Norman Draper
May 15, 2009
Poodie Locke....
The greatest honor of my life was helping carry him to his rest.
I'm back in New Jersey now, but my heart is in Spicewood with his family and friends... and with Shaye, the love of his life.
Dean Strickland
May 15, 2009
I wrote this song in memory of Poodie:
That Very Sad Sixth Day Of May (At Poodie's Hilltop Roadhouse)
I'd hitchhiked to Poodie's to play
For a fun Wednesday night open mic
At Poodie's Hilltop Roadhouse on the sixth day of May
Was where I'd heard the news that he'd died
That was such a very sad time
With the look in Brooks' eyes which were glazed
I think that he'd wanted to cry
A quiet moment of remembrance we paid
CHORUS:
On that very sad sixth day of May
A quiet moment of remembrance we paid
At the place where there's no bad days
On that very sad sixth day of May
Bridge:
At the place where there's no bad days
Nobody knew exactly what to say
Me, I just hitchhiked away
On that very sad sixth day of May
CHORUS
©2009 Dean Strickland
Jennifer
May 14, 2009
Everybody who knew Poodie LOVED him. He was a wonderful guy and he will be so MISSED!Have a good celestial journey,Poodie.
Til we meet again,
Miss ya ... Mike
May 14, 2009
Never a bad day...rip,,,love ya, Linsey
May 14, 2009
A Poodie hug was always waitin' for ya !
Linsey Clark
May 14, 2009
We love ya Poodie...all our love and prayers to you and all your family.....Never a bad day...rip
Linsey
Angel Youngblood-Chick
May 14, 2009
Oh how those wonderful hugs will be missed. Poodie you will be another shineing star in heaven. I just had to have a few more days to get comfortable with the idea of you being gone. My heart goes out to Mama Locke and the rest of your family. I met you when my cousin Bobby Greene passed through heavens gates. I am sure Terry(Bobby's son) will miss you as well. He often mentioned how kind you were to him when he was starting out in the guitar playing field after his dad was gone. Rest in Peace my friend we will see you soon.
Randy "Baja" Fletcher
May 14, 2009
Poodie, I got the news of your passing early morning while on tour with B&D in Sydney, Australia, I know I was half way around the world but I felt a million miles away. From the first time I met you with Waylon in 78' you showed me what a true brother of the road was really like. I will always carry your love & friendship & laughter with me where ever I may go, We both hit the big 60 this year in October & that was the last time we had spoke when I called to wish you Happy B-Day, I will cherrish the last three words I said to you forever........"I LOVE YOU"...........God Bless you my friend, my brother, I & the rest of the world will miss you dearly!
May 13, 2009
Mississippi
Michael Collins
May 13, 2009
I only met Poodie once but I will remember him always as a good man. I was just starting out and I was interested in his job for Nelson. "so how do I get to tour with Willie Nelson?" Poodie said, "Well, first you would have to be 45 or older." I laughed and admitted I would never get to tour with Willie. I walked away happy that I got a chance to meet Poodie in Austin. God Bless you man, I hope you caught that Big Gig in the Sky.
May 13, 2009
May 13, 2009
Mary Lynne Rogers-Reebel
May 13, 2009
Shaye, Mama Locke and Cindy Lou, Our condolences for a truely loved person. We enjoyed the Hilltop evey time we went and always looked forward to another good time there. Sorry Poodie never got around to seeing my special "Willie Wall". It still exists and will for a long time to come! Pictues and memoribilia from Willie's beginning days at Esquire Ballroom in Houston.
VAYA CON DIOS mi AMIGO! Gail and Mary Lynne Reebel
Robby Turner
May 13, 2009
Poodie,
As sad as I get when I think of your passing, I have to smile when I think of something you said, did or just the way you would cock your head sideways from across the room. We've been all around the world together several times and I learned that there is know one as famous as you. It's clear why you are so loved on this earth. There will be something in my life to remind me of the legacy you left on this planet and in the hearts of countless people who cover it. My thoughts and Prayers are w/Moma Locke, Shaye, Willie & the rest of family. Thanks for letting me hang so many times. I already miss you dearly. I wish I had taken your advice & made a guest appearance at your 60th.
I Love you Friend,
"Robster"
"The Round Mound of Sound"
May 12, 2009
May 12, 2009
John " Dr. Mongo" Susi
May 12, 2009
I met Poodie so many years ago, I think it was 1970. I was assigned to stick with Willie and keep trouble away. I was nervous untill I met Poodie. Like a brother he took me asside told me how the world turns and all was good.
We crossed paths many times over the decades. With a giant grin and a brotherly bear hug, all thing's can be good!
Poodie you are the MAN and a good friend
I will miss you forever!
Bruce Williams
May 12, 2009
Larry Trader, Dr. John, Poodie, Bud Shrake, Stephen Bruton...that's one heck of a party in Heaven above...full of laughter and genuine love! For us still on Earth, maybe someone should start singing "Turn Out the Lights...The Party's Over." Poodie you were just as much a true gentleman as you were a true Texan! May God bless your family and friends. And may you RIP.
Johnny Holub
May 12, 2009
Our deepest sympathies go out to Poodie's family and friends. I really enjoyed performing at his last Christmas party and visting with him and Mama Locke. He will truly be missed.-Johnny & Lesa Holub
Poodie & Cindy Lou
May 12, 2009
Kat Hennen
May 12, 2009
Poodie, I will miss the laughter & the friendship . Peace my Friend !!
Budrock, Mickey and Poodie (Feb 09)
May 11, 2009
Poodie in his office at the Hilltop
May 11, 2009
Poodie on Sirius radio
May 11, 2009
The Hilltop
May 11, 2009
Budrock, Mickey and Poodie (Feb 09)
May 11, 2009
Japan tour 1984
May 11, 2009
Jan Rains Cromleigh
May 11, 2009
Bless you, Poodie.
STEVE ANGUIANO
May 11, 2009
I MET POODIE AND MAMA LOCKE THROUGH DEE HERRERA.HE WAS A GREAT GUY,AND I HAD SOME GREAT TIMES WITH POODIE,DEE,AND GLORIA.MY HEART GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILY.THE WORLD WAS A BETTER PLACE WITH HIM IN IT.
tom schalata
May 11, 2009
I am sure I must have bumped into Poodie at one of Willie's concerts, but I can't say I knew him personally. My thoughts are with his family and the entire WN family. Sounds like he will surely be missed.
Sheila Myers with Poodie Icon
May 11, 2009
Poodie with his eternal smile & Vickie Newton
May 11, 2009
Poodie with likeness along with Vickie Newton & Sheila Myers, Nov. 2007
May 11, 2009
Poodie & Shay-Dec. 2008
May 11, 2009
Jane Reed
May 10, 2009
It just won't be the same now at Willie's concerts without Poodie walking around making sure everything is just right, We will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Momma Locke, Shae, and the Nelson Family. Jane & Jim
Gerald & Joyce Stavely
May 10, 2009
Poodie was a man with a great sense of humor. He always made you feel so welcome and comfortable. It was always nice to be around him.
Mark Schultz
May 10, 2009
Take care brother
waitin' for a train....Japan Tour 1984
May 10, 2009
Waiting for the train to Osaka. 1984 Japan Tour
May 10, 2009
Kathy & Gradie Johnson
May 10, 2009
You welcomed us with open arms. We loved your jokes and stories! You will always be remembered with a smile. We love you Poodie. We are blessed to call you our friend. You are missed!
Our hearts go out to Shaye, your Mama, you sister and your family.
We love you! Kathy & Gradie
Poodie Workin'
May 10, 2009
Bill Saathoff
May 10, 2009
Best of the Best! Spicewood will allways remember along with the rest of the world.
Save a spot for me in music heven. Blessing to the family and friends.
May 10, 2009
Stay LOUD roadie. See you down the road.
KK
Cassell Webb
May 10, 2009
POODIE............I send my love ...You always took special care of me ..........On the road with B.W.Stevenson .and many more trails did we share.............I remember you always......
Love to you and yours, Cassell Webb, London, England
Nancy Morgan-Peters
May 10, 2009
You will be missed my friend.. the warm memories of you will be remembered and I hope you know how much you were loved and appreciated. Nancy & Friends of Giddy Ups
Wilhelmina Rose
May 10, 2009
Poodie was a true Southern gentleman...always had a great smile & a big hug for me. I liked him from the first time I met him back in '84 or '85 at Willie's Picnic at Southpark Meadows here in Austin. A few weeks later I had the pleasure of hanging out with him for the night at the Dam Saloon & I thought we really hit it off. The next night I ran into him at Chequer's Bar & he had a cute young blonde hanging on each arm! I couldn't be mad - that was just Poodie! Happy to see he finally found someone special! He was so loved & will be greatly missed by us all! R.I.P. big guy!
Cris&Kathy Anastopoulos
May 10, 2009
Everytime I'd see Poodie for the last 23 years I would hear "Cccrriss!!! Whats happening big boy!" Then the 'Big Hug' and that huge smile...Every time... Wherever,whenever my wife and I came out to visit.We have never known anyone else that was so good to so many people..The best times of our lives were spent out on the road with the big guy watching him live as only he could ..There is a space in this world no one can EVER fill..To all of Poodies friends and family ..We are the most blessed people on Earth for having the privilage of knowing him..Our love goes out to all who's lives were touched by him especially those that were closest to him..Poodie you made this world a much better place ...We love you..
Doyle Nelson
May 10, 2009
Poodie - You weren't on this earth long enough. You were one in a million. When Doyle called me up in Washington, I could only say, no, not Poodie, I thought he would always be around. What a great guy! Love, Doyle Nelson & Shirley
Jan Moore
May 9, 2009
Poodie,,you sure are gonna be missed,,just as much as you were loved by so many friends and fans around the world. Thank you for contributing so VERY much to our "Willie World". I hope you knew how much you were appreciated for everything. Life just ain't gonna be the same without you in it~~
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