John Bristol “Bilbo” Poole, 78, of Hiddenite, N.C., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at his home.

John was born January 1, 1947, in Alexander County, the son of the late William Carter Lackey Sr. and Wilma Poole Stevenson.

John proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era. He spent most of his life gardening, lawn mower repair/ lawnmower racing and fishing. He loved to fish at Holden Beach with his fishing buddies and vacationing in Pigeon Forge. His favorite pastime was spoiling his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Joyce White; grandson, Lorenzo Bennett; sister, Cynthia Stevenson; brother, William Carter Lackey Jr.; and grandparents, Mr. Harrison Poole and Mrs. Irene Watts Poole, who raised him.

Those left to cherish and honor John’s memory include his devoted wife of 24 years, RayNell Adams Poole of the home; his children, John (Rejohnnica) Clark, Marvin (Alisha) Clark; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; adopted grandchildren, Malayah Adams and Brynlee Pettit; brothers, Bro. Terry (Phyllis) Lackey Sr. and Magellan (Cindy) Stevenson Jr.; sisters, Daphne (James Daye) Stevenson, Prudence Houpe, Sylvia Campbell, Carolyn (Bobby) Campbell, Gladys (Gray), Speaks, Helen Grinton, Teresa (Richard) Wellman, and Dewanna (Leslie) Howell; sisters-in-law, Teresa W. Lackey and Margaret Adams; aunts, Lona Bell Lackey, Betty Poole, and Alice Rankin; uncles, Russell Lackey, Harry Lackey, and James Lackey; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The Home-Going Service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Zion Chapel AME Zion Church with Rev. Robin Curry officiating and Elder Christopher Daniels as eulogist. Burial will follow in the church cemetery will full military honors accorded by Alexander County Veterans Honor Guard.

The family will receive friends from 12 until 12:30 p.m. prior to the service.

Condolences may be sent to www.adamsfunerals.com.

Adams Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to be serving the family of John Bristol Poole.