Celebrating the life of
LTC (Ret.) Gary L. Poff
October 01, 1940 - September 01, 2014
True Hero
LTC (Retired) Gary Lawrence Poff
Savannah, GA-LTC (Ret.) Gary L. Poff, 73, passed away on September 1, 2014 at Saint Joseph’s Hospital after a long battle with heart disease. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 49 years, Sheila Goodman Poff, and his parents Lawrence Truman Poff and Gaynell Shumate Poff.
Gary was born and reared in Salem, Virginia. He graduated from Andrew Lewis High School in 1958. Following high school, Gary attended what was then known as Virginia Polytechnic Institute, where he was a proud member of the Corp of Cadets. He graduated from Virginia Tech in 1962 with a degree in mechanical engineering. Upon graduation from college, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. LTC Poff served as an officer in the Army for over 26 years. During his military career, he served two tours in Vietnam, two tours in Europe, in addition to many other assignments. He was a true hero in many ways.
He is survived by his daughter Yvonne P. Woodhams (Tom) of Slidell, Louisiana; son, Scott L. Poff of Savannah; four grandchildren, Katie, Alex, Maggie and Phillip; and a sister Brenda P. Zippin (Richard) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He also is survived by beloved sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
Visitation will be Thursday, September 4, 2014 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel, Savannah, Georgia.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 5, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. in the Hodgson Chapel of Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors conducted by the Reverend Billy Miller.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Heart Association (heart.org) or to the Isle of Hope Baptist Church, 22 Rose Avenue, Savannah, Georgia 31406.
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
We are so sorry for your loss. Gary was a great person. We will miss him. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Preston & Diane (cousins).
- Preston & Diane Poff, Salem, VA
We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. There are so many happy memories we have with Gary and Sheila over the years. We'll miss both of them. With Love and Deepest Sympathy
- Bill & Margaret Crouch, Salem, Va
Sincere condolences in the loss of Gary. I went to school and graduated with Gary (AL class of 58). Tho I didn't know him well, I thought he was such a nice person. Hold on to all the pleasant memories of your mom and dad and look forward to a wonderful reunion on the other side.
- Carol Philpott Whitcomb, Sandy Valley, NV
Yvonne and Scott. Sorry for your and our loss. I knew Gary since high school and had many good times with Gary and Sheila. I remember Gary as always smiling and full of fun. Thinking of you at this time. Carl and Liz Young
- Carl & Liz Young, Salem, VA
Gary was a gentle man and he lived his life in a gentle way. We loved Gary and his wife, Sheila, while we were residents of Savannah and members of Isle of Hope Baptist Church for a number of years. The congregation there at Isle of Hope will miss him, as well as others who knew him. They,and we, have lost a true friend and the Lord has taken home a true servant
- Charles and Nan Bell, Jackson, TN
I am sorry for your loss. I have memories of us growing up together in Salem. Please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Dale Slusher (cousin) and family.
- Dale Slusher, Sr, Salem, VA
Scott and Poff Family, I send my deepest condolences to you regarding your father’s passing. What a great guy and joy to be around. I so enjoyed him at the golf course. He made the day even better when he decided to join us. He kept me laughing with his comments and wit. Take comfort knowing that he is in a better place, finally with your mom. I will keep you all in my prayers. God Bless.
- Billy Lee, Oviedo, FL
Mama and I are so sorry to hear of your father's passing. We wanted him to keep on getting better. Please know that your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Daddy and Mr. Gary can do some catching up now. I know that Daddy thought a lot of him, and will be glad to see him. Wendy and Nadine Walker
- Wendy Walker, Brooklet, GA
We are so sorry for your loss. Gary was a great person. We will miss him. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Preston & Diane (cousins).
- Preston & Diane Poff, Salem, VA
We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. There are so many happy memories we have with Gary and Sheila over the years. We'll miss both of them. With Love and Deepest Sympathy
- Bill & Margaret Crouch, Salem, Va
Sincere condolences in the loss of Gary. I went to school and graduated with Gary (AL class of 58). Tho I didn't know him well, I thought he was such a nice person. Hold on to all the pleasant memories of your mom and dad and look forward to a wonderful reunion on the other side.
- Carol Philpott Whitcomb, Sandy Valley, NV
Yvonne and Scott. Sorry for your and our loss. I knew Gary since high school and had many good times with Gary and Sheila. I remember Gary as always smiling and full of fun. Thinking of you at this time. Carl and Liz Young
- Carl & Liz Young, Salem, VA
Gary was a gentle man and he lived his life in a gentle way. We loved Gary and his wife, Sheila, while we were residents of Savannah and members of Isle of Hope Baptist Church for a number of years. The congregation there at Isle of Hope will miss him, as well as others who knew him. They,and we, have lost a true friend and the Lord has taken home a true servant
- Charles and Nan Bell, Jackson, TN
I am sorry for your loss. I have memories of us growing up together in Salem. Please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Dale Slusher (cousin) and family.
- Dale Slusher, Sr, Salem, VA
Scott and Poff Family, I send my deepest condolences to you regarding your father’s passing. What a great guy and joy to be around. I so enjoyed him at the golf course. He made the day even better when he decided to join us. He kept me laughing with his comments and wit. Take comfort knowing that he is in a better place, finally with your mom. I will keep you all in my prayers. God Bless.
- Billy Lee, Oviedo, FL
Mama and I are so sorry to hear of your father's passing. We wanted him to keep on getting better. Please know that your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Daddy and Mr. Gary can do some catching up now. I know that Daddy thought a lot of him, and will be glad to see him. Wendy and Nadine Walker
- Wendy Walker, Brooklet, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
