2020 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 26
BY SENATOR REESE
A RESOLUTION
To express the sincere condolences of the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the
death of James Thomas "Tommy" Poe Jr.
WHEREAS, it is with deep regret and profound sorrow that the members of the
Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana have learned of the passing of James Thomas
"Tommy" Poe Jr. on May 2, 2020, at the age of sixty-six; and
WHEREAS, Tommy Poe was born on June 24, 1953, in Leesville, Louisiana, lived
most of his life in the Hicks area, and was a 1971 graduate of Hicks High School; and
WHEREAS, he overcame polio at a young age and this experience shaped his life
and he never let anything stop him; and
WHEREAS, Tommy worked in the logging business and drove trucks before
attending the police academy where, at the age of forty-two, he graduated at the top of his
class and was the president of his class as well; and
WHEREAS, he worked for the Vernon Parish Sheriff's Department for over
twenty-seven years, first as a dispatcher, then sheriff's deputy, and retired as a detective; and
WHEREAS, Tommy was known throughout the community as a talented musician
who sang and played the guitar; he played in church and at various community events; and
WHEREAS, he was a lifelong cowboy and loved riding horses; and
WHEREAS, Tommy's love for the Lord was very evident in his life; he always put
God first and was a member of LaCamp Church of God for thirty-eight years; and
WHEREAS, Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, James Thomas Poe Sr.
and Johnnie Billie Burns Poe and sister, Margaret Poe; and
WHEREAS, left to cherish his memory are his wife of nearly forty-five years,
Virginia Smith Poe; son, Joshua Poe and wife Kellie; daughter, Kristie Marquez and
husband Carly; brother, Matthew Poe and wife Michelle; sisters, Catherine Brogdon and
husband Roger and Mary Joseph and husband Larry; grandchildren, Carly Marquez Torres,
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Andrew Haaf and wife Kendra, Krystal Marquez Torres, Isabella Marquez, Alexander
Marquez, Abigail Poe, and Caylie Poe; great-grandchild, Talymar Delgado Marquez; and
a host of extended family and friends; and
WHEREAS, he was a Godly man who will be remembered by everyone who knew
him but most of all, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend to so
many; and
WHEREAS, the success of the state of Louisiana, the strength of our communities,
and the overall vitality of American society depend in great measure upon men like James
Thomas "Tommy" Poe Jr. who led by example and made the world a better place for future
generations and was an inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to have known him.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby honor the life of James Thomas "Tommy" Poe Jr., an extraordinary man who
shall forever be remembered, and pay tribute to his legacy, and express sincere condolences
to the family of James Thomas "Tommy" Poe Jr. upon the occasion of his death.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Virginia Smith Poe.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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