POOLE

Rufus Ronald “Bud” Poole was born Oct. 23, 1922 at McMahan’s Chapel in San Augustine County, Texas to Rufus Henry Poole and Bettie Aycock Poole.

His family moved to Avinger, Texas when he was two years old and he was a lifetime resident of the town. He was employed by R. H. Poole Lumber Company from 1946-1956 and by Lone Star Steel from 1956-1985. He was a past member of United Steel Workers Union Local 413, American Legion Post 351, and Avinger Lion’s Club. He was a lifelong member of Avinger United Methodist Church. He was a proud World War II veteran, serving in Europe from 1944-1946 and was awarded the Bronze Star. He was a master gardener and shared his homegrown food and his gardening knowledge with family and friends. He loved fishing and taught his children and grandchildren to love it also. He was loving, patient, generous and kind to everyone.

Mr. Poole passed away July 27. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 66 years, Dorothy Page Poole; and brothers, Ralph Poole and Jack David Poole.

He is survived by his son, Steve Poole and wife Melody Putnam of Austin; daughter, Vicki Poole Hull and husband David Hull of Austin; grandchildren, Kate Hull of Austin, Emily Hull Simpson and husband Dane Simpson of Fort Stewart, GA, and Cody Poole of Austin; great-grandchild, Lilly Simpson of Fort Stewart, GA; nephews, Kris Poole of Longview and Dale Poole of Longview; as well as many cousins.

Services for Mr. Poole will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 5, at Avinger United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Avinger Cemetery under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs. There will be a time of visitation from 6:00 until 8:00 Thursday evening at the funeral home.