Jerry Dale Poole

Jerry was born in 1942 in Austell, GA to Dora and Curtis Poole. He graduated from South Cobb High School and Mercer University and received his master’s degree in history from Georgia State University. He engaged in a lifelong love of learning with particular interest in history, philosophy, and theology. Although much of his life was spent in the family business, he treasured the opportunity, in later years, to teach history at Mercer University Atlanta and Kennesaw State University. He indulged an innate curiosity by reading widely and loved nothing more than discussing ideas, whether in the classroom, at the dining room table, or around a campfire.

Jerry loved music and had a beautiful baritone voice which he shared by singing with many musical groups, including the Robert Shaw Chorale. He also served as soloist in several Atlanta churches.

A lover of the outdoors, Jerry enjoyed nothing more than backpacking with family and friends. He hiked much of the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina. He was an avid tennis player.

Jerry was a person of deep faith. He was a long-time member of Northside Drive Baptist Church. He taught church school, sang in the choir, and served as deacon and in many other leadership roles.

He will be remembered as a person of integrity with a fine mind, patient and humble, and always kind and respectful.

Jerry was pre-deceased by his brothers Joe and Freeman Poole and daughter Valerie Landers. Remembering him with gratitude and love are his wife of 47 years Jacquelyn (Jackie) Collins Poole and children Laura Landers Eastham [Andrew], Allen Landers, and Elizabeth Poole Woodward [Jon], and grandchildren, Hannah and Ben Eastham and Boone and Nash Woodward. The family wishes to thank their church family, friends, and the hospice caregivers who gave us the care and support we needed in the last weeks of this long journey.

Services will be held at Northside Drive Baptist Church on Friday, September 20th at 12 noon, with a visitation one hour prior. Donations in Jerry’s memory may be made to Northside Drive Baptist Church or Wellstar Hospice.