Gary Thomas Poole

Gary Thomas Poole, 94, of Spartanburg, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home. Gary was born on October 6, 1931, in Gaffney, SC.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ada Ruff Poole; two daughters, Jennifer Shackelford (John Shackelford) and Stephanie Poole Mass (Randy Mass); his grandchildren, Tyler Shackelford, Hope Phillips, Ashley Oglesby, and Sydney Crane; and a great-grandson, Hudson Oglesby.

Gary was a speaker, a writer, and an artist. He has published about 30 books and sold some of his artworks.

A memorial service to honor and celebrate the life of Gary Poole will be held 11 a.m. Monday, December 1, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church, 393 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302. In keeping with Gary’s passion for teaching and helping others, his body has been donated to medical research.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.org/donate

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