Bert Paul Poarch, Jr.

Bert Paul Poarch Jr. left this life on November 27, 2024 after a long and fulfilling 93 years. Bert, born on December 29, 1930 in Elizabethton, TN, was the oldest of four sons born to Bert and Venia Poarch. 

In high school, Bert met the love of his life and beloved wife, Anita Miller. In 1952, soon after they married, Bert was drafted into the Marines and they moved to Jacksonville, Florida. After leaving the Marines, Bert worked at the NAS Jax Post Office, then moved to the Fleet Weather Service Facility at NAS Jax as an Administrative Officer where he retired from in 1988. 

Bert enjoyed working in his garage, planting his garden, being a handyman for everyone, eating good food, and watching over his large clock collection which he would meticulously care for each day that he could, winding and purposefully setting the times so that all of the chimes were set to go off individually throughout the house. However, his greatest hobby was helping people and that is what he did best. 

Bert and Anita married on November 2, 1951, and they shared a beautiful 73 years together. Bert loved his family dearly and would often just look around and smile at the family he and Anita created. What began with two young people in love soon became a wonderful family starting with four children and three bonus children: Susan & the late Lamar Gilliland; Greg & Brenda Poarch; Sam Poarch; and Cheryl & Peter Esdale. In time nine grandchildren and six bonus grandchildren were added: Andrea & Rusty Hills; Sara & Luke Balde; Jessica Poarch; Jennifer & Cory Rogers; Elizabeth & Kyle McVey; Phillip & Leah Poarch; Paul Esdale; Sabrina & Derek Logue; and Makita Esdale. Continuing their legacy, thirteen great-grandchildren have been added so far: Tyler, Ashley, Ally, Josiah, William, Mia, Ellanor, Mason, Maddie, Amelia, Harrison, Carter, & Thomas. Bert was so proud of his family and the dimple in his cheek and twinkle in his eye always appeared when he saw them. 

Above all, Bert’s life was defined by sharing his joy in Christ. Along with Anita, Bert was a faithful member of the Wesconnett Church of Christ. They were charter members, attending the first service at Wesconnett in 1956 where just two months later, Bert was baptized into Christ. For the last 58 years, Bert served as an elder of the congregation, lovingly leading with his quiet, gentle spirit. In loving God with all of his heart, soul, mind and strength, along with his sincere love for others, he shared the love of Jesus with all who knew him. Even when he couldn’t speak much the last week of his life, his audio Bible spoke loudly throughout the room so that all who entered - or even walked down the hallway - could hear God’s word being proclaimed. There was never a doubt that Bert Poarch was fighting the good fight. 

Now, he has finished the race and there is a crown of life laid up for him in heaven. Those he is survived by are comforted by this. 

A celebration of Bert’s life will be held at the Wesconnett Church of Christ on December 7, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Wesconnett Church of Christ in his memory.