Reverend Dr. John William Poole, PhD, who was a pioneer in the long-term care industry, died September 26, 2017, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was 87.
Dr. Poole was born on February 2, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, to Louella Williams and Johnnie Williams. He graduated from Hughes High School, and the University of Cincinnati, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Marketing. He was an accountant for Frisch’s and Nabisco and other companies. He later earned his doctorate in Healthcare Management and Education from Union Institute and University in Cincinnati. He joined the United States Air Force in January, 1951. On January 18, 1952, he married Barbara Elizabeth Dean and together they raised three children, Dr. Terrence Poole, DDS, Mrs. Karol Poole-Ford and Mrs. Holly Poole-Blackley.
Dr. Poole was a pioneer in the long-term care industry, becoming the first African American nursing home administrator in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the only African American owner/operator of Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Nursing facilities, Alaska Acres Care Center, and Negro Sightless for over 50 years. He also was the administrator/CEO of Zion Care Center, a facility he operated for his home church Zion Baptist Church. He was joined by his wife Barbara in serving the elderly for many years. He was an adjunct professor at Xavier University in the Long-Term Care Department.
Dr. Poole’s desire to serve the Lord lead him to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree from Temple Bible College in Cincinnati, and he was an ordained minister. At age 82, he received a Master’s Degree in Theology from Cincinnati Christian University in church organizational management. He was an ordained minister through the American Baptist Convention who served faithfully at Zion Baptist Church. He was a preceptor for young ministers, as well as a chaplain at Christ Hospital.
Dr. Poole was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and has received many awards for his achievements.
Dr. Poole is survived by his wife, Barbara Poole, three children; Dr. Terrence Poole, DDS, Karol Poole-Ford, Holly Poole-Blackley; his sister Evelyn Scott; six grandchildren, Terris Poole, Tera Poole, Kennedy Ford, John “Wesley” Ford, Donovan Blackley and Taylor Blackley; daughter-in-law, Mrs. Jessica Poole; sons-in-law, Johnny Ford and Andre Blackley.
Services were at Zion Baptist Church on September 30, 2017. Entombment was at Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati, with full military honors. Services were managed by JC Battle & Sons Funeral Home.
Financial donations can be made to the Delta Gamma Lambda Foundation P.O. Box 6123 Cincinnati, Ohio 45206. Please note John Poole Memorial Donation.