Robert Marion Poor

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Robert Marion Poor, lovingly known as Rob, who passed away peacefully in his sleep beside the love of his life, Vickie Poor, on July 25, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. 

Born on October 11, 1945, in Norfolk, Virginia to Marion Clark Poor and Margaret Smathers Poor, his family soon moved to Asheville, North Carolina where he grew up with his seven sisters and two brothers. His family owned and operated Poor’s Flower Center. Rob lived a life defined not by wealth or recognition, but by the countless lives he touched through his humor, loyalty, quiet generosity, and unwavering love for his family.

To know him was to know someone who could make you laugh when you needed it most. His quick wit came naturally, and his sense of humor could brighten even the hardest days. Even during his illness, he could win the heart of his doctors and nurses in a matter of minutes. They always commented on his wonderful attitude and enduring spirit. He had an enormous heart, though he rarely wore it on his sleeve. Instead, he showed his love in his own quiet ways—through acts of kindness, unwavering support, and simply being there when it mattered most. Those fortunate enough to earn his trust knew just how deeply he cared.

He had a way of being prepared for anything. There was always a handful of Werther’s Originals tucked away in his pocket with his pocketknife and whatever else he thought he might need. It was simply who he was: always ready to lend a hand, solve a problem, or offer a little piece of candy with a joke and a smile.

The beach and the water were where he truly came alive. Rob was a licensed boat captain and an exceptionally good one. Everyone he took fishing would attest to that. Whether he was out on his boat, The Reel Poor, with Vickie, casting a fishing line into calm waters, fighting a big tuna or simply sitting quietly while watching the waves roll in, those were the moments when he was most at peace. The ocean wasn’t just a favorite place; it was where he felt most like himself. Time seemed to slow there, and those who shared those moments with him will forever cherish the memories they created together.

Professionally, Rob had various occupations in his life. For many years, he was a remarkably successful pharmaceutical salesman with Westwood Pharmaceuticals followed by a sales career with Oral B and L’Oreal, often earning honors as top salesman and regional sales manager. When he grew tired of traveling, he started his own business as a commercial landscaper and property manager, at one point managing over thirty shopping centers and office buildings in the Raleigh area. He took considerable pride in his sales achievements, business ownership, military service and especially being a licensed boat captain but his greatest accomplishments could never be measured by a résumé. They were found in the family he loved so deeply and the relationships he built throughout his life.

More than anything else, he was a devoted husband to Vickie for 29 years. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, perseverance, and countless memories that will continue to live on in her heart and through those who knew them. They were truly soulmates. 

He was a proud, devoted father to Krista whose life is forever shaped by his love and their deep bond. They shared an extraordinary, indescribable connection and treasured their moments together before his health declined. Throughout his illness, with her husband's backing, Krista stayed by his side—loving him, caring for him, and always striving to find new ways to help ease his pain or just make his day a little brighter. No matter how he felt, she always brought a smile to his face. His last smile was for her.

His granddaughter, Gianna, and grandson, Camden, brought him immense joy and pride as well. He looked forward to and enjoyed every moment spent together.

He is survived by his wife, Vickie Bordeaux Poor, his daughter, Krista Massey Potter and her husband, Ron Potter; his sisters, Peggy Compton, Linda Tipton (Bobby), Beverly Lee, Barbara Sikes, and Brenda Trantham (Donnie) and brothers, Don Poor and Ken Poor (Ivette). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Gianna Parkman and Camden Parkman.

He was preceded in death by his father, Marion Clark Poor, his mother, Margaret Smathers Poor, his sisters, Dottie Clark and Eleanor Ammons.

Although our hearts are broken by his absence, we find comfort in knowing that the qualities which made him so special will continue to live on in each of us. His laughter, his jokes, his strength, his quiet acts of kindness, his love for the water, and the memories he gave so freely will never fade. Every fishing trip, every sunrise over the ocean, every Werther’s Original found tucked into a pocket, and every shared laugh will forever remind us of the incredible man he was.

His legacy is not only found in the life he lived, but in the people he loved and the lives he forever changed.

Family and friends will gather later to celebrate his life, share stories, laugh, and remember the man he was and the love he gave to us all.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Disabled American Veterans or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, causes he deeply cared about.

Though he is no longer by our side, he will forever remain in our hearts. He was deeply loved, will be profoundly missed, and will never ever be forgotten.

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