Richard “Rick” Allen Poll

Richard “Rick” Allen Poll, 77, passed away suddenly in Murfreesboro, TN, on February 11, 2023, doing what he loved most: helping others. He was born October 11, 1945, to Ludie Tee Froman and Heinrich “Henry” Arthur Poll. He was the youngest of three children.

A 1963 graduate of Gillett High School, Rick attended Arkansas Tech prior to enlisting in the United States Air Force. He served his nation proudly as an electronics mechanic for computers at Laughlin, Cheyenne Mountain, and Hancock Field air bases before returning to Arkansas to farm alongside his father. He spent over 40 years faithfully and tirelessly working his family land as a third-generation farmer in Arkansas County. After retiring from farming, he adopted his second career as a postal employee, driving all over southeast Arkansas to work in various post offices and making many friends along the way.

Rick was an engaged citizen who shared his time and talents with others. A proud member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, he served on various LCMS district church boards, met the love of his life Sharon when both were leaders at church youth retreats, and traveled the country attending national LLL conventions with his wife and girls. Over the years, he served his hometown as an amateur sports photographer, volunteer firefighter, Gillett District #66 school board member, Farelly Lake Levee District board member, and volunteer basketball and softball coach. A generation of Wolves can still hear his booming voice as the unofficial coach from the stands during his girls’ games, and as a grandfather he brought his sports passion to the sidelines of Pulaski Academy and Rhodes College football games. In contrast to his physical strength and farmer’s calloused hands, he was a skilled cross stitcher and loved creating wedding and confirmation samplers for family and friends. One of his most favorite roles was volunteering as the town Santa, delivering cheer to residents and watching children grow up to have children of their own. Many were never too old to sit on Santa’s lap for a yearly picture. In 2018, he was awarded the Key to the City of Gillett, in appreciation of his service to the community and compassion for those in need. Ultimately, Rick was a proud family man who loved big and never hesitated to lend a helping hand.

Survivors include his loving wife of 47 years, Sharon Silsbee Poll; daughters Sarah Gorman and Leah Winningham; son-in-law John Gorman; former son-in-law Jerry Winningham; and beloved grandchildren Maxwell Gorman and Addilyn Winningham. He is also survived by his sister Vivian Stilley and brother Charles (Carol) Poll, as well as countless other family members and friends.

A memorial service will be Monday, February 20, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gillett. Internment will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Rick’s memory to the St. Paul Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund and honor his life by finding an opportunity to help others in your community. Cremation arrangements by Essex Funeral Home. www.essexfuneralhome.com