Thomas Ray Pohl's Obituary
A Heartfelt Tribute to My Father, Thomas Ray Pohl
August 3, 1943 – February 27, 2025
My father, Thomas Ray Pohl, was a force of nature—a man whose spirit soared through life with adventure, wisdom, and an unshakable love for those around him. On February 27, 2025, at the age of 81, he left us, but the imprint of his extraordinary life will forever remain in our hearts. Born on August 3, 1943, in Dallas, Texas, to George and Margaret Pohl, Dad lived every day as a gift, filling it with stories, connections, and a boundless curiosity that inspired everyone who knew him.
Dad’s journey began in earnest after high school, when he stepped into a career as an oil engineer with G.S.I Environmental. That path didn’t just define his work—it shaped his soul. He traveled to the edges of the earth, chasing horizons and gathering tales of far-off places that he’d recount with a gleam in his eye. He loved the thrill of discovery, whether he was solving a complex problem at work or tinkering in his workshop at home. A true handyman and a lover of science, Dad could fix anything, build anything, and dream up ideas that left us all in awe. His hands were always busy, his mind always alive with possibility.
To so many, Dad was a voice—a steady, warm presence crackling through the airwaves of the Ham radio community. He poured his heart into those connections, finding joy in the crackle of a signal and the camaraderie it brought. His technical brilliance was matched only by the kindness he shared with everyone he met there. And when he wasn’t on the radio, you’d find him casting a line into the deep sea, lost in the quiet beauty of fishing. Those moments on the water were his sanctuary, a place where he found peace and returned to us renewed.
In his later years, Dad’s faith became his anchor. He poured himself into the church communities of the DFW area, serving with a devotion that reflected the depth of his spirit. He was a man of conviction—unafraid to speak his mind, yet always ready to listen, to help, to give. His generosity knew no bounds, and his sharp intellect lit up every room he entered. But beneath that strength was a tenderness that defined him—a warmth that made you feel seen, valued, and loved.
To me, though, Dad was so much more than his accomplishments. He was my rock, my guide, my hero. As a father, he gave me everything—his time, his wisdom, his unwavering belief in me. And as a grandfather, he was pure magic. The way he lit up when he spoke of my daughter, his granddaughter, was a love so fierce and proud it could move mountains. He carried her triumphs like badges of honor, sharing her every milestone with anyone who’d listen. She was his joy, his legacy, and I know a piece of him lives on in her.
Dad’s life was a tapestry of adventure and heart—a legacy of love that stretches across continents, airwaves, and generations. He leaves behind my wife, my daughter, and me, but also a world made richer by his presence. I’ll miss his stories, his laughter, the way he could fix anything broken—except, perhaps, the ache of losing him. My father, Thomas Ray Pohl, was a rare and beautiful soul, and though he’s no longer with us, his light will guide me every day. I love you, Dad. Rest well.
What’s your fondest memory of Thomas?
What’s a lesson you learned from Thomas?
Share a story where Thomas' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Thomas you’ll never forget.
How did Thomas make you smile?