Ed Poole, a former high school quarterback, passed away suddenly in August 2025, leaving behind his family and an entire community.
He left a lasting mark on the football world through his dedication to developing young athletes.
Ed Poole’s Influence From Varsity Football to Elementary School Gym!
Ed Poole was a beloved P.E. teacher at Crestview Elementary in the early 1970s.
His career spanned decades in education. He served not only as a physical education instructor but also as a high school football coach, mentor, and community figure.
Later, he worked as a varsity football coach at Tucker High School. He was more than a football coach; he was a guiding force for his closest one.
Before his coaching career, Poole was a starter on the J.R. Tucker varsity football team.
Afterward, he went on to play at the University of Richmond, where his team was ranked 19th in the nation in 1984.
Many who know him, either on the field or in the classroom, recall his support and the strength with which he led.
Coach Ed Poole’s passing left a void in the hearts of his family, students, and the entire community.
One of his nearest friends, Mark Murphy, recalled Poole’s support during his formative years, saying:
Rob Reid my quarterback in High School informed me my football Coach Ed Poole passed away last night. I have the up most respect and love for Coach Poole because he believed in me when know one else did.
Likewise, one of his former students recalled moments with the coach and said :
So sorry to hear of his passing. I remember Coach Poole coaching the varsity football team at Tucker some time after Rinaldi left. And I also remember a Mr. Poole as far back as 1973 when I was in 1st grade at Crestview Elementary school, and he was our P.E. teacher. I’m pretty sure it’s the same person. Because I remember when he was coaching at Tucker he kind of looked like the same person. Looking back I wish I had approached him and asked if he ever taught Phys. Ed. at Crestview when I was there. Later on, at crestview, there was a Mr. Hines and I recall during field day he hit that baseball so far I couldn’t believe it. I also believe that he was a football coach at tucker at about that time. Such a small world and as we all now know, the years go by so quickly.
Although he passed away, his memories will never fade away.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Coach Ed Poole’s family, friends, and well-wishers.
Rest In Peace, Coach!
