William Wesley Poole

WILLIAM WESLEY POOLE (BILLY) September 16, 1928 - April 23, 2013 Born in a garage in Bend Oregon to William and Thelma, Billy came to this earth at the beginning of a tumultuous time in American History. The Great Depression had begun, work was scarce and William Sr. spent long hours working in the woods when he had work, or picking up odd jobs whenever possible. Billy, the oldest of five, bore many of the responsibilities helping around the house. Often having to prepare meals for his father and family, inspired a lifelong enjoyment of cooking. Spending a great deal of his early life in the Santiam Valley, (Stayton Or.) Billy loved the outdoors. Whether that be logging, hunting, hiking, fishing, rock hounding, he could always find a reason to be outside enjoying God’s Wonders. Having four uncles and two aunts living in the area, Billy had many cousins with which to spend time with, fishing and hunting. Later in life this evolved into an annual affair, where he would meet up with cousins and spend the week fishing. William II (Billy) graduated from Stayton High School his junior year, Class of 1945. With the United States currently involved in WWII, Billy tested, qualifying for Navy Officer School. The war ended and Bill had a change of plans. He enrolled at O.C.E. (WOSC) where he obtained a Bachelors of Science degree in primary education. It is here that Billy would meet his wife of 60 years, Bradley Joanne Rislove. The two were wed December 26, 1953. With the Korean War now at hand, William II joined the U.S. Army where he served in Counter Intelligence. Bill and Bradley Jo wasted no time starting their family and had the Oldest of five in Baltimore MD September 1954. While in the military, William boxed for the Army, won numerous awards for Physical fitness, and was sharpshooter qualified. Bradley Jo, becoming homesick for the West Coast cut Bill’s military career short, and when he finished his stint, they moved back to Oregon where they have resided ever since. William began his teaching career in the City of Willamette, (West Linn) where he taught science for 6 years. He then moved to Oak Grove middle school (Milwaukie) where he spent the rest of his career teaching 7th & 8th grade science, art, and photography. William II loved his students and loved to teach. Having many opportunities to move into an administrative position he would forego this, in order that he might continue teaching. For many years busloads of children were taken on geology trips to eastern Oregon’s Painted Hills in search of fossils etc. Billy loved God. Accepting the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ into his heart at the young age of twelve, his love for the Almighty followed him throughout his life. Active in the church as well other Christian organizations (Gideons) he knew his works (although many) was not where his salvation lay. Payment has been made in full, it was by grace that he and all who receive Christ have life in him. Through this knowledge Billy loved all people. This gave him strength to carry on, coping with his many ailments and periods of extreme pain. Possessing a positive and loving attitude unto his worldly departure. William will be dearly missed by many, but welcomed into Christ’s kingdom by many more. William Wesley Poole is survived by wife Bradley Joanne; 3 sisters and spouses, Clarence & Jean Buhler, Bob & Genevieve Bridges, John & Dorothy Herring, brother, Philip & Darlene; (children) William Winston, Jeffrey, Kimberly & Curt Hedges, Tamara & Randy Miller and John & Lisa; 15 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren. Charitable donations may be made in Loving memory, to Gideons International. A Celebration of Mr. Poole’s life will be held On May 11th at Milwaukie Christian Church from 1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. Service Information