Raymond J. Poole, Sr.

Raymond Jesse Poole, 84, of Bowie, Maryland passed away on November 11, 2019 peacefully in his sleep.

Jesse was born in Toccoa, Georgia on July 24, 1935. He graduated from Toccoa High School and shortly thereafter joined the United States Navy. He was a Gunner’s Mate Third Class during his military career serving on Battleships and Mine sweepers.

He was Honorably discharged in 1964 and began his civilian life landing in Bowie Maryland. He met his wife, Diane, and they were married in March 1965. They celebrated over 51 years together.

Jesse worked at the Bowie Race Track, U.S. Agricultural Complex in Beltsville and started working for the City of Bowie in 1970. Jesse worked as a mechanic at the City of Bowie for 37 years, retiring in 2007.

He was active member in B.P.O.E. Lodge 2309 from 1970 on and was a Past Exalted Ruler. He enjoyed the camaraderie the Elks brought to him and served on many committees.

He enjoyed working in the kitchen for many years at the Lodge with his fellow brothers, doing charity work, and helping with the kids Christmas and Easter parties. His favorite pastimes were reading, watching old westerns, NFL football and bowling.

Jesse is survived by his three children, son, Jesse Poole Jr and his wife Karen of Bowie MD, and daughter, Tammy Davis of Mechanicsville MD, and daughter Michelle Washington of Bowie MD. Jesse is also survived by his 4 grandchildren, Timmy Davis and his wife Lisa of San Diego CA, Christian Washington, Quentin Washington, and Arianna Washington of Bowie MD, and his two great grandchildren Brooke and Gavin Davis of San Diego CA.

Jesse is preceded in death by his wife Diane and his mother, Rushie Vickery.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to the American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852 or The Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256.