Bobby Gordon Poore

bobby poore

November 24, 1936 ~ April 1, 2019

Born in: Candler, NC
Resided in: Candler, NC

Bobby Gordon Poore, age 82, finished his journey to heaven on Monday, April 1, 2019. Bob was born in Candler, NC, on November 24, 1936 to Rhea Jackson Poore and Grace Robinson Poore. After graduation from Candler High School, Bob opened a gas station in Georgia with his friend Don Ramey. Soon after, he attended Georgia Tech and went on to complete his degree in mathematics from Western Carolina University. After teaching math in several Buncombe County high schools, he taught Industrial Cooperative Training at Enka High School.

He served our country as a staff sergeant with the U.S. Army Reserve, spending summers at Fort Jackson, SC. In addition, he taught adjunct math classes for NC State University in Asheville. In 1971, Bob began his work with the Department of Community Colleges as the WNC Coordinator to Industry, developing training programs for area industry. For his honorable service to our state, Bob was awarded the “Order of the Long Leaf Pine” by the Governor of NC. 

Bob appreciated antique cars, watching NASCAR and ACC sports. He enjoyed retirement– meeting friends for breakfast at the Miami, golfing, hiking to the top of the Pinnacle, attending the Daytona 500, or assisting at Whitt Motor Sales. Other endeavors included dabbling in land sales, and he especially loved dealing in used cars if he could find a car with “cool air.” 

Bob was a dedicated and lifelong member of Snow Hill United Methodist Church, serving as Sunday School teacher, Trustee, choir member, Chairman of the Administrative Board, and Cemetery Chairman. He enjoyed working on projects with the United Methodist Men. 

He looked forward to family get-togethers down by the creek at Jan and Roger’s. He was a perfect Papaw– showing up with “new” cars to take grandsons for rides, or attending volleyball, baseball, basketball or soccer games. He imparted his quiet wisdom to help his children and grandchildren with their lives. He was a perfect role model and gave them the tools to face life.

Bob was blessed with cherished friends from all walks of life, maintaining friendships formed in childhood. He was a member of the Candler Lions Club, Hominy Masonic Lodge #491, and the Sons of the American Revolution. Citizenship and civic duty were taken seriously, and he served as the Democratic chairperson of Hominy Precinct Number 49.1 for several years. 

He is survived by his wife of over 52 years, Gail Burnette Poore; his sister, Billie Poore Netherton; and four children and their spouses, Jan Caldwell and husband, Roger, Gordon Cogburn and wife, Debbie, Susan Reid and husband, Ricky, and Allison Cathey and husband, Mark. He is also survived by a devoted extended family. 

Grandchildren are: Ben Caldwell, Thad Caldwell and wife, Heather, Logan Caldwell, Kyle Cogburn and wife, Jennifer, Ryan Cogburn, Ericka McPeters and husband, Chris, Lyndsey Reid and fiancée, James, Tara Reid, Cory Reid, Cole Cathey and Ella Grace Cathey. Great Grandchildren are: Grady Caldwell, CJ Hurst, Lilly Cogburn, Ana Cogburn, Wrylan Byrd, Tucker, Carter, Gunner, and Korbin McPeters, and soon to arrive Charlotte Grace Cogburn.

Family and friends will be received from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, at Snow Hill United Methodist Church, in Candler, and are invited to attend Bob’s Celebration of Life Service on Friday, April 5, 2019, at 3:00 p.m. at Snow Hill conducted by the Reverend Dianne Johnston and the Reverend Dr. Neil Haynes. Graveside services will follow at Snow Hill United Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Bob’s grandsons.

The family would like to thank the staff at Brooks-Howell Home in Asheville, NC, for the caring and competent care provided during Bob’s illness.

“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us.” – Helen Keller

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of the following: Snow Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, 84 Snow Hill Church Rd., Candler, NC, 28715, and/or to the Candler Lions Club, c/o Sam Crawford, Secretary, 188 Queen Rd., Candler, NC 28715.

Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue is assisting the family.

Services

Visitation: April 4, 2019 6:00 pm - March 19, 2024 8:00 pm

Snow Hill United Methodist Church
84 Snow Hill Church Road
Candler, NC 28715

828-252-3535

Funeral Service: April 5, 2019 3:00 pm

Snow Hill United Methodist Church
84 Snow Hill Church Road
Candler, NC 28715

828-252-3535

Graveside Service: April 5, 2019 4:00 pm

Snow Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery
84 Snow Hill Church Road
Candler, NC 28715

828-252-3535

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  1. Thru 12 years of school together at Candler High School…..attended same Snow Hill Church….Bob will
    really be missed in the community.

  2. God be with each of you!! Bobby was such a wonderful mentor for me in Candler Lions Club!! Your entire family have been a special part of my life.
    Love to all!

  3. Our deepest sympathy to this sweet family. I’ll miss seeing Bob on Friday’s bringing Gail to the beauty shop and selling brooms for Bob from the Lions Club. Rest In Peace Mr. Bob.

  4. Met Bob while cleaning for him and Gail years ago ! Nice man and very devoted . He will certainly be missed in his community❤️

  5. I grew up at Snow Hill UMC and remember Bob well. I will always be thankful to him for showing support for my mom at a time when no one else did. He was a true friend and I will never forget that! I remember Rhea and Grace also, such sweet and loyal souls! I pray that Gail and the whole family are comforted by the life Bob led, and that Jesus provides a sweet peace even in their time of grief. I know Bob will be greatly missed.

  6. Bob was a wonderful friend as we spent many quality hours together over the years. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I will truly miss his companionship.

  7. Jan I am sorry for the lose of your father. You had him for long time. He is in a better place. I know you will him. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

  8. During the 70’s and 80’s we were fortunate to enjoy Bob’s friendship and quality time working together. A memorable highlight was an industrial training trip to Japan with a stopover in Hawaii. He is missed by many. May memories bring strength to all of you in the days ahead.

  9. I’m sorry for your loss. It was my privilege to assist and talk with Mr. Poore at the bank. The family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

  10. Had breakfast Bob every morning at the Miami Restaurant . He was a good friend and always had a kind word for everyone.

  11. Bob was a wonderful colleague at A-B Tech and in the NC Community College Adult Educators Association. He was patient and kind and considerate. He never met a stranger, and his knowledge and connections to Business and Industry were extensive.

  12. Bob was a wonderful colleague at A-B Tech and the NC Community College Adult Educators Association. He was kind, patient, and considerate. We worked together on a few communications projects for business and industry. He was widely respected both in Western North Carolina and throughout the state.

  13. Jan and Allison,
    I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this time and in the weeks to come.

  14. Bob was a close friend, college roommate, and co-worker. We met in the first grade at Candler 76 years ago. I was fortunate to visit him on Wednesday before he passed early Monday morning and to share some pleasant memories of our good times together. What a splendid legacy he leaves to former students, friends, and especially to a lovely family that he cherished. Rest in well-deserved peace, my dear old friend.

  15. Bob Poore was one of the finest people I have known. He was Genuine, and that quality is hard to come by. Praying for all of you.
    Grace and peace.

  16. Bob was a true friend and he will be missed. He was a rare man who saw only the best in people. Bob always made me feel good, whether it was at work, on the golf course, at meetings, or at the Miami. Gail, my prayers are with you and your children.

  17. Mr. Poore was a generous man with his heart and the love he showed to his kids and his wife. He was respected and loved by all that ever had the pleasure of meeting him. He raised such wonderful, strong children. God’s light was always shining through and he taught his family the strength of the Lord. He will be missed but Heaven has gained a wonderful man.

  18. Bob was a long-time friend and I lament his passing. I send my deepest sympathy to the family.

  19. Bob was a long-time friend and I lament his passing. I extend my deepest sympathy to the family

  20. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this most difficult time. Having known Bob for many years and working with him on the Western Carolina Safety Council, I had the utmost respect for him. He will be missed.

  21. I worked at Southwestern CC in the 1970s, and Bob was an integral part of our Continuing Education team. Always ready to help with courtesy and great advice. My sincerest sympathy to his family and to his A-B Tech family.

  22. I have many fond and special memories of working with Bob during our tenure with the NC Community College system.
    He was such a fine man and a true gentleman. Will never forget him.
    Our love and prayers to his family.

  23. It was my pleasure to work with Bob for many years when we were both in the community college system. He was a wonderful colleague, but more importantly he was a good and valued friend. Although we did not see each other often in the retirement years, I will surely miss him and value my friendship with him.
    This old world could certainly use more people like Bob Poore!

  24. So sorry for your loss Gail and family,
    Bob was longtime friend and will truly be missed in our community,


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