Benny Richard Poole Jr.'s Obituary
Benny Richard Poole Jr. was born on September 11, 1950 in Jackson, Michigan to Benny Richard Poole Sr. and Barbara Jean (Cotton) Poole as their third child and the first son of six children. Benny attended Jackson High School, where he participated in Football, Cross Country and set records in Track before graduating in 1968. After high school, Benny entered the Air Force and was a Vietnam Veteran. During his time in the military, Benny met his future wife, Linda Johnson in Clovis, New Mexico. During this union, 3 children were born. After honorably discharging from the Military, Benny returned to Jackson, Michigan and worked at Kelsey-Hayes, Pittsburgh Paint, and the State of Michigan Department of Corrections (D.O.C.) as a Storekeeper where he remained for over 20 years until his retirement. During his time as a State of Michigan Employee, Benny was also a D.O.C Caucus Representative and Chief Union Steward for the Michigan State Employees Association (MSEA) where he represented employees and helped many employees stay employed. As a Vietnam Veteran, Benny was a Former Commander for the American Legion Post 246 in Jackson, MI and organized one of the Jackson Memorial Day parades during his tenure.
After retiring, Benny split his time between Jackson and the Detroit area where he enjoyed life as a retiree, and did not hesitate to jump on the highway to drive anywhere, attended events and jazz concerts and was an avid sports fan of the Detroit Lions, Golden State Warriors and Michigan State Spartans. Benny also enjoyed speaking with his siblings often, practically on a daily basis. In addition, he would constantly stay in communication with his grandchildren as he enjoyed keeping up with their achievements and offered guidance as they navigated their own lives.
Benny is preceded in death by his parents: Benny and Barbara Poole, Brother, Ray Poole Sr., and Grandson, Dontae Gilbert. Benny leaves behind his four children, Brian Poole, Germaine Gilbert, Benny Poole III (Angel), Tanya Norfleet (Ceaser II), five grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Torrian, Ceaser III, Jaden and Jarek, a great-grandson, four sisters, Sharon Hurd (James L.), Teresa Littlejohn, Janice Poole, Laila Poole, one brother, Rodney Poole Sr. (Sunny), and many nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.
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