Jerry Pete Poole

Jerry Pete Poole, 76, of Coconut Creek, Florida, and formerly of Carterville, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2022, surrounded by his family.

Jerry was born on the 8th of July, 1946, in Carterville, Illinois, to Wanda Mae and Hershel “Pete” Poole and was a younger brother to Jim.  Jerry showed his athletic prowess on the football field in high school, and caught the eye of Janet Creek, who would become his eventual wife and the love of his life. He was devoted to her for the entirety of his life. Jerry joined the U.S. Army, where he served proudly in Vietnam. Upon his return, he wed Janet in June of 1968, in the neighboring town of Herrin, and studied at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois.

Jerry and Janet became the proud parents to two sons, Erik Michael Poole on Aug 22, 1971 (he passed on October 1, 2003) and Timothy James “TJ” Poole , while living in Southern Illinois. The family left Illinois and settled in South Florida in 1984, where Jerry continued a successful career in telecommunications. Jerry joins his parents, his brother, and his son, Erik, in Heaven. He leaves behind son, TJ, along with his daughters-in-law, who he loved, Sherri Poole (wife to Erik) and Shannon O’Donnell Poole (wife to TJ). Jerry was also the adored grandfather—“Papa” —to his two granddaughters, Leta and Shea, who he took immense pride and delight in, calling them his little Tinkerbell and Butterfly, respectively.

Jerry was an avid golfer and car lover and aficionado, particularly of his two red Corvettes. He was a proud veteran and would often take his sweetheart out for fun either to the AmVets or for a ride around the neighborhood visiting friends on their golf cart. Friends and family loved him for his sense of humor and his deep love and devotion to his family. His family is grateful for the many years of happy memories and will miss him forever.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 3, 2022, at San Carlo Cemetery in Herrin, with reflections by his son, TJ. Military honors will be performed by the Army National Guard Ritual Team, Carterville American Legion Post, and the Herrin V.F.W. and American Legion Post.

Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville assisted the family with local arrangements. 

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