Randall "Jake" Poff

On Thursday August 1, 2013 we lost the guiding light and love of our lives, our hero, our father, our grandfather, and our brother Mr. Randall William “Jake” Poff, 76, of 2245 Reese Harmon Ridge Road, Rock when he went to spend eternity with the love of his life; Betty Mae Poff. Jake was born on August 2, 1937 a son to late Pelby and Margaret Poff. He graduated from Bramwell High School in 1955. Jake retired from Sidney Coal Company located in Australia in 1999. He was the Plant Superintendent, he enjoyed his travels especially his trip to Australia and he also considered his coworkers his extended family. He loved to hunt and fish and his favorite hobby was gardening that which he enjoyed sharing with friends and relatives. He loved to make people laugh, tell jokes and he was always smiling. Jake’s source of pride was that of his family, the one he was born into and the one he and his wife Betty created. Being one of the four children of the late Pelby and Margaret Poff was a special gift. As the oldest of the Poff family, Jake paved the way in a strong and loving manner for all of his siblings. Jake was the definition of “Role model” to all his siblings, sons, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren. With the guidance of his loving wife and parents he set the standard for qualities such as kind, caring, determined, strong, loyal, hardworking, respectful, and trusting which he instilled in his family. Jake was a loving husband to his wife Betty, for 49 years. In Jake’s words, Betty and Jake were made in Heaven. Their unbreakable bond only grew stronger as they raised their three sons together. Like his faith, their love for each other has never wavered. As a parent, he brought his beautiful spirit to his own children. Through his selfless ways, he was shown his children how to lend a simple yet meaningful life. Through his actions of supporting, cheering, guiding, and analyzing each child in academics, sports, and making life’s decisions, his influence, wisdom, and love will live on in their hearts forever, Jake was the devoted and proud father of three sons; Randall William and his wife Lauri of Plain City, Ohio, Jeffery Lee and his wife Jessica of Princeton, and David Anthony of Dublin, Ohio. He was the confidante to his four grandsons; Jarrett Poff of Bluefield, WV, Jeffery “ Lee” and his wife Kayala of Bluefield, VA, Tony and his wife Terah of Rock, WV, and Tyle Poff of Dublin, OH, and one granddaughter Jessica Anderson of Bluefield, WV. Paw as he was called by all who came to know him also had six great-grandchildren; Gaige, Raylee, Mattox of Bluefield, AJ and Adelina of Rock, and Braylen of Bluefield, VA. He was a brother to Polly Blevins and her husband James, Sharon Brooks and her husband Chip, and the late Freddy Poff all of Rock, WV. He was also survived by two special nieces; Jamie Blevins of Middlesex, NC, and Nicloe Brooks Zell of Charleston, SC and many nieces and nephews. His caregiver Jackie York was by his side each day following his instructions to the secrets of gardening. Jake was a man of many talents. He was known in the community as “Paw Gardner”. He had a green thumb and his garden was overflowing with ripe fresh produce which he proudly shared with all his family and neighbors. He was incredibly friendly and would make conversation with everyone. From the words of an unknown author, “God took the strength of a mountain, the majesty of a tree, the warmth of a summer sun, the calm of a quiet sea, the generous soul of nature, the comforting arm of night, the wisdom of the ages, the power of the eagle’s flight, the joy of a morning spring, the faith of a mustard seed, the patience of eternity, the depth of a family need, then God combined these qualities, when there was nothing more to add, he knew his masterpiece was complete, and so, He called it …”Paw” Paw had many special friends but among the closest was Mr. Jack McKinley of Reese Harmon Ridge and Ms. Kathy Williams of Bluefield. Mr. Jack as Paw called him was a great source of comfort in times of heartache and pain. Kathy Williams was the daughter Paw and Maw never had. The closeness they shared was bound by their mutual love of their blended family. Special friends to the staff of Princeton Community Hospital Fourth Floor, Dr. Khokar, and Hospice for the love and comfort shown to him and his family. Graveside services for Mr. Poff will be conducted Tuesday August 6, 2013 at 1:00 P.M. at the Maple Hill Cemetery located in Bluefield, VA with the Minister Jack Johnson officiating. Serving the family as pallbeares will be sons and grandsons. Those wishing to attend the graveside services should meet at the Cravens-Shires funeral Home by 12:30 P.M. The family will receive friends at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home Monday August 5, 2013 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00P.M. Online condolences will be accepted at www.cravens-shires.com Cravens-Shires Funeral Home, 3431 Coal heritage Rd.(Bluewell), Bluefield, WV is serving the family of Mr. Poff.