William "Billy" Weldon Poole

William “Billy” Weldon Poole, Jr., 74, of Fort Worth, Texas, passed away on August 3, 2017, peacefully in his sleep at his residence after a short illness.He was surrounded by his family as he entered into The Kingdom of God. The funeral service will be held at 3pm on August 9, 2017, at Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home on 2402 S. Irby St., Florence, SC, with Pastor Rick Watts officiating.Burial will follow the funeral at Garden of Memories Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6-8 pm on August 8, 2017 at Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home. Billy was a devoted husband and a one of kind earthly father and grandfather. He served many years as a co-pastor and the world lost a great spiritual father to many.He knew how to make others feel loved and treasured and he took the time to show you the Father’s heart.He was born on December 22, 1942 in Raleigh, NC. He attended Centenary High School in Marion, SC and went on to serve 5 years in the U.S. Navy. He served on the USS Constellation as an electrical engineer.He also served as a police officer for Florence and Darlington Counties.He married the love of his life, Shirley Poole (Ard) and they would have celebrated 53 years of marriage on August 7, 2017.He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, camping, canoeing, hunting, horseback riding, watching Westerns, but more than anything loved spending time with his beloved wife.He was a member and attended Kingdom Harvest Church in Fort Worth, TX.His legacy will live in the hearts of his children, grandchildren and his spiritual children. He is preceded in death by his parents, Boyd Gilmore Game and Margaret Jeffries Game. Surviving, in addition to his wife, Shirley Anne Ard Poole of Fort Worth, TX, are three children, William W. Poole, III (Sharon), Michele Poole Gainey (Chad) and Margaret N. “Niki” Hagen (Lonnie) and nine grandchildren, Brittany Poole, Courtney Poole Goldman, Alexa Gainey, Krystyn Gainey, Richard Gainey, III, Kharis Hagen, Melody Hagen, Jared Hagen and Asher Hagen. In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family may be offered online at www.stoudenmiredowling.com.The family of Billy Poole wishes to thank Vitas Hospice Care, Fort Worth, TX, for your loving support and kindness.