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Grambling community remembers Coach Poe

Funeral services for Robert C. Poe were held Tuesday, March 1 at Lewis Temple CME church in Grambling. He departed this life on Thursday, February 25 at his home.

He was known to many as “Coach”, others as neighbor, friend, or just Uncle Collins. But to his family, he was simply known as dad.  

Robert C. Poe

Robert C. Poe

We do not know if he was born in the morning, afternoon, or at night, but on November 11, 1930, a bouncing baby boy Robert Collins was born to Callie Reed and Willie Poe of Dekalb, Mississippi. 

He joined brother Willie Marvin and sister Menola. Later sister Louise joined the crew.

Robert received his formal education from the Philadelphia Public School System. During that time he was recognized as a stellar football player for Booker T. Washington High and received several accolades and scholarships that helped support the beginning of his college career.

He received his bachelor of science degree from Jackson State University and his master’s of education degree from Indiana State University. He began pursing a doctoral degree but did not complete it.

Anybody that knew him knew that he was an advocate of higher education. He loved learning and researching historical facts of life and people. He also served in the US Armed Forces for several years. 

His teaching career began at Harris High in Meridian. While in Meridian, he met and married Lottie Pearson. To their union were born two beautiful daughters Cheryl Denise and Tina Louise. 

He soon accepted a position at Grambling State University, where he taught until his retirement in 1990.

He was a faithful brother of an elite group of men where manhood, scholarships, perseverance and uplifting others were their principles, the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. “Friendship is essential to the soul,” was their motto and he surely exhibited that with the friendships he established with others, especially with the Young and Hall families.

He loved his church family and was an active member. He served as an usher and Sunday school teacher. Robert was caring and supportive of those seeking a higher education, giving to every known charity. 

Coach Robert Poe ( 1st row)

Coach Robert Poe ( 1st row)

 

 Those who knew him well knew that he loved to talk, read, watch football and talk some more.  He will truly be missed.

His mother Callie, father Willie, sister Menola, brothers Willie Marvin and Raymond/, all preceded him in death. He leaves two daughters Cheryl (Meridian) and Tina (Nashville), other brother and two sisters in Michigan, three sisters in Meridian, and one sister, Louise in Philadelphia. He also leaves eight grandchildren, five great grandchildren, two godsons, a goddaughter, nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives.