Meet Our Staff

L. Harold Poole

Founder of L. Harold Poole Funeral Service & Crematory 1946 - 1998

Graduate of Knightdale High School in 1965. He attended NC State University, but his true passion was in the funeral service industry. He graduated in 1968 from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in Cincinnati, OH. He came back to Wake County and worked for Lewis Funeral Home in Wendell, but his dream became reality on October 1, 1978 when he opened L. Harold Poole Funeral Service in his beloved Knightdale community.

Barbara P. Poole

Founder / Funeral Director

Barbara is the wife of the late L. Harold Poole. Together, they opened the funeral home on October 1, 1978.  Barbara is a licensed Cosmetologist, Funeral Director, and Crematory Operator. In 2017, she received the Citizen of the Year Award from the Knightdale Chamber of Commerce where she currently serves on the Board of Directors. Barbara also serves as District 3 Director of the North Carolina Funeral Directors Association. 

Melissa Barnes

Managing Partner / Funeral Service Licensee

Melissa joined the funeral home in 1996 and received her Funeral Service Degree from Fayetteville Technical Community College in 2000. She is a licensed Funeral Director, Embalmer and Crematory Operator, assuming the role of daily operations as Managing Partner in 2018. Melissa is a Past President of the North Carolina Funeral Directors Association and a member of the Knightdale Rotary Club. Melissa and her husband, James have three boys and make their home in Middlesex. 

Ron Murray

Crematory Manager

Ron joined the staff in 2001 and is a licensed Crematory Operator, managing the daily operations of our on-site crematory. He and his wife, Tricia live in Wilson. He has one daughter, a son-in-law and and one grandson. They are members of Winstead United Methodist Church in Wilson.  

Joyce Hathaway

Administrative Assistant

Joyce joined the staff in 2014 and brings with her many years of experience in the administrative field. She is responsible for the daily operations of the business office. Joyce and her husband, Donald live in Clayton and have four children and six grandchildren.

Duane Cutlip

Funeral Director / Preneed Coordinator

Duane is a licensed Funeral Director and began working for the funeral home in 2009 as the Preneed Coordinator. He and his wife Angie, along with their two daughters live in Wendell and attend Heritage Baptist Church in Zebulon. 

Telephone: 1-919-602-1989

Melia Edwards

Part Time Secretary

Melia joined our staff in 2015 as a part time secretary. She works full time at the Town of Wendell. Melia lives in Wendell and has three children and two grandchildren. 

Lucille Strickland

Funeral Assistant

Lucille joined the staff in 1989. She and her husband, Don live in Knightdale and have two children and one grandson. They are members of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Knightdale. 

Stacy Bunn

Funeral Assistant

Stacy joined the funeral home in 1994. He and his wife, Lori live in Zebulon and have two daughters and one granddaughter. 

Tony Bridgers

Funeral Assistant

Tony joined the staff in 2014. He and his wife, Sandra live in Knightdale and have three children and seven grandchildren. They are members of Faith Baptist Church in Knightdale. 

Carol O'Neal

Funeral Assistant

Carol joined the staff in 2014. Carol lives in Zebulon and has one son and one granddaughter. She is a member of Corinth Baptist Church in Zebulon. 

Terry Jones

Funeral Assistant

Terry joined the staff in 2015. He is a volunteer fireman with Pilot Fire Department. Terry and his wife, Donna live in the Pilot community and have three children and four grandchildren. They are members of Pilot Baptist Church in Zebulon.  

Jim Hill

Funeral Assistant

Jim joined our staff in June of 2022. He and his wife, Dianne live in Knightdale and are members of Bethlehem Baptist Church. They have two children, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.  

Lane Hobbs

Funeral Assistant

Lane is the son of Barbara Poole and grew up at the funeral home. He is a retired Sergeant with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. He and his wife, Jennifer are members of Faith Baptist Church in Knightdale and reside in the Pilot Community. 

Hailey Hobbs

Funeral Assistant

Hailey is the granddaughter of Barbara Poole.  She graduated from Meredith College in 2019 and works with Buttons and Bows Daycare in Raleigh. Hailey is a member of Faith Baptist Church in Knightdale. 

Barbara P. Poole, Lane Hobbs, and Hailey Hobbs

Brian Keith

1963-2016

Brian worked with the funeral home for over 25 years as a dedicated Funeral Director who took great pride in his chosen career. Brian passed away in February of 2016 and will be forever missed.