Obituaries

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William (Bill) Harmon Pool, 94, of Dallas, Texas passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday March 31, 2024 at his home.  He was predeceased by his mother Annetta (Lassitter) Pool, father William Harmon Pool Sr., paternal Aunt Jewel Nixon, and grandson Joseph Gregory Pearson.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years Anna R. (Finnell) “Bunny” Pool.  He is also survived by two daughters: Stephanie Pearson and husband Greg, Melanie Houchin and husband Kerry.  Grandchildren: Alex Pearson, Brian Pearson and wife Brittnie, Chad and Sarah Houchin.  Great-grandchildren: Callie Mae and Tyler William Pearson.  

A memorial service will be held at Canyon Creek Presbyterian Church in Richardson, Texas on Friday, April 5, 2024 at 3 PM. 

Bill was born in Albany, Texas on March 21, 1930.  He graduated from Albany High School in 1947 in a class of 26 students.  He worked at the local drug store’s soda fountain, and as a surveyor and draftsman before entering the U.S. Army.  Bill served in the Second Infantry Division during the Korean War where he earned his Combat Infantry Badge as an infantryman and later trained non-commissioned officers at the Second Division NCO Academy. 

After his discharge in 1953 he enrolled in the University of Texas at Austin where he met his future wife, Bunny.  Bill was initiated into Texas Alpha Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity in 1954, married Bunny in 1956, and earned his BBA in 1958 and LLB in 1959.  He was the only member of his family to attend college.

Over his career Bill practiced law in County, State, and Federal courts.  He served 10 years as Assistant Attorney General in Austin, then in 1970 moved to Dallas as an Assistant District Attorney under Henry Wade and then John Vance with 25 years total service.  Bill retired in 1995 and in 1996 he was recruited to serve as Chief Public Defender for Dallas County.

Bill was active for over 50 years in the Presbyterian Church with multiple leadership roles such as Clerk of Session, Chairman of Worship Committee, Chairman of Personnel Committee, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Chairman Day School Reorganization, Deacon, and Elder.  He was also an active member of the couples and men’s bible study groups.

Bill loved to travel, having visited over 50 countries and all 50 states, and sailed most oceans.  Bill enjoyed reading and considered himself a student of military history.

Bill’s most important role in life has been husband to his wife Bunny and father to their two daughters.  His biggest pride and joy have been his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.