Randall Barrie Poole

Born and raised in Moultrie, Georgia, he played baseball at Norman Junior College and at the University of Georgia. A proud graduate of UGA, his love for the DAWGS knew no bounds. Randy looked forward to every UGA football, basketball, and baseball season.

Following his graduation from UGA, Randy served in the U.S. Army from 1970 until 1972, finishing his military service in Germany. He later earned a Master's Degree in Education at Valdosta State and taught and coached football, basketball, and golf at Cook County Middle School. After marrying Peggy Perkins, he moved to North Carolina and taught and coached football, basketball, and baseball at Hawley Elementary.

Randy finished 32 years in education at Northwest Whitfield High School in Tunnel Hill, Georgia as assistant varsity baseball coach in 2009. During his time as coach, Randy was a mentor for many young men and women, sharing with them his love of sports, animals, and life. After his retirement and until his death, many of his co-workers and former students stayed in touch with Coach "Candy Man" Poole.

Randy is survived by his wife of 41 years, Peggy Perkins of Winder; five dogs and six cats; two brothers: Murray (Barbara) Poole of Brunswick and Larry (Carol) Poole of Moultrie; nephews: Jeff, Chris, and Jonathan Poole, and Lewis, Clint, Heath, and Dave Perkins. He is preceded in death by his parents M.J. and Carrie Poole and nephew Josh Poole.

Devout animal lovers, Randy and Peggy have provided a loving home for many dogs and cats through the years; indeed, truly all of their pets were and are their children!

A memorial service will be held at Smith Memory Chapel in Winder on April 23, 2022 at 2:00 pm with a visitation for family and friends from 12:30 until service time the day of the service at Smith Funeral Home, 755 Atlanta Hwy SE, Winder, Georgia 30680.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Randy to Leftover Pets, 30A Woodlawn Avenue, Winder 30680 or Pup & Cat Co, P.O. Box 1987, Winder 30680.