Raymond Junior "Simmons Opossum" Poole, age 83, passed from this life Thursday, June 15, 2023. He was born April 5, 1940 to the late Johnnie Raymond and Lucille Poole in Careyville, AR.

Junior was a founding member of the Poole family deer camp and loved trapping and harvesting wild hogs.  He was an avid horseback rider and enjoyed raising cows and gardening. He loved to give away squash and tomato's in the summer, making a daily ride to check on the deer camp and Poole cemetery.  Above all, he loved spending time with family, making sure they knew he loved them and that everyone was treated right.  He loved fiercely and was always an encourager of others and leaves a legacy of spreading joy and love to others.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers Huey Poole, Carlton Poole, Lawrence Poole; one sister Nadine Crisp.

Those left to cherish his memory include:  his loving wife of 53 years Linda Poole; two sons Norman Hart and his wife Mary of Indianola, IA, and Randy Hart of Melcher-Dallas, IA; two daughters Romona Cheneval and her husband Jody of Maumelle, AR, and Rebecca Pittman and her husband Lance of Strong, AR; ten grandchildren Casey, Andrew, Abby, Nycole, Chad, Shane, Zachary, Katelynn, Brady, Jesse; fourteen great-grandchildren Chloey, McKenzie, Brooklynn, Wyatt, Mya, Dawson, Scarlett, Logan, Megan, Jude, Jonah, Ezra, Oakleigh, Hallie; one brother Charles Poole of Strong, AR; as well as a host of extended family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am Monday, June 19, 2023, at New London Baptist Church in Strong, AR, internment will follow at Poole Cemetery in Strong, AR. A time of visitation will be held Sunday evening, June 18,2023 from 6-8:00pm at the church.