M. Paul Poole

Miles Paul Poole, 86, of Troy died on May 7, 2009 at home surrounded by his family.Mr. Poole was born July 9, 1922 in Montgomery County, son of William Joshua and Ellen McIntyre Poole. He graduated from Troy High School in 1939. After graduation, Paul joined the Army where he was a member of the 83rd Infantry Division. During World War II, he served as a 2nd Lieutenant for his country in Italy and northern Africa. After the war, he graduated from Ashmore Business College in Thomasville.Paul owned and operated the Western Auto store in Troy for 20 years. After retiring in 1986, he worked in the courier department of First Bank until 2004.He was actively involved in Lionism from 1951 until his death, serving as District Governor for 31F from 1964-1965. Paul and his wife served as volunteer counselors at Camp Dogwood for 15 years.Paul was a member of Mt. Zion Wesleyan Church in Thomasville, where he especially enjoyed outings with the Best Years Fellowship.Mr. Poole enjoyed military reunions with the 83rd Infantry Division, Lions Club activities, church, time with family and sharing chewing gum with friends.In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by three brothers, Silas Poole, Robert Poole and Max Poole, and one sister, Nell Sasser.He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Gwen Lambert Poole of the home; one son, Eddie (Deena) Poole of Red Springs; two daughters, Carol Grigg of Mt. Gilead and LuEllen (Gene) Richard of Gastonia; brother, Joe (Bonnie) Poole of Troy; sister, Ruth Pierce of Apex; sisters- in-laws, Jeanette Poole, Stella Poole, both of Troy and Polly Poole of Mt. Gilead; grandchildren, Amanda (Ryan) Remole, Leah Poole, David Paul (Ashley) Grigg, Melissa Poole and Ellen (Jason) Almond; step-grandsons, Chad (Renee) Richard and Drew (Krista) Richard; seven great-grandchildren and four step-great-grandchildren. Family and friends are invited to attend visitation from 12:30-2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2009 at Pugh Troy Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Troy, NC. A memorial service will begin at 2:00 p.m. with Pastors Keith Carroll and Carroll Upton officiating.In lieu of flowers and in honor of Paul's lifelong dream of establishing a permanent home for the Troy Lions Club, memorials may be made to Troy Lions Club Building Fund, c/o Mr. Steve Hair, President, P.O. Box 594, Troy, NC 27371.Arrangements by Pugh-Troy Funeral Home