Richard Elbert Poe

Richard Elbert Poe, 79, of Palm Harbor, FL passed away on June 14, 2023 at his home. Richard was born on November 19,1943 to Elbert and Myrtle Poe in Anderson, Indiana. The family, including his 2 brothers, relocated to Florida in mid 1950. He graduated from Clearwater High School in 1961. Richard proudly served in the United States Military where he received numerous medals and commendations. He was honorably discharged from The US Navy Reserve as a Draftsman First Class and The US Army Reserve as a Sergeant First Class. Later, Richard went on to earn an A.A. in Business from SPJC, a Bachelor of Arts from Eckerd College, a M.B.A. from Tampa Collage and a Doctor of Education from The University of Sarasota. He had an 18 year-long law enforcement career with The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office where he held positions of Patrolman, Financial Crimes Detective, and Polygraph Examiner. He became trained in issuing Polygraph Exams for PCSO and other municipalities. With this knowledge and expertise, He established the Academy of Polygraph Science and taught globally in countries including The United States, Russia, India, Canada, Colombia, and Venezuela. Richard held memberships in both The Florida and American Polygraph 

Associations. He served as past President, Board Member and Director of Education for The Florida Polygraph Association. He and his first wife, Clarice had 2 sons, David and Doug. In 1978 he re-married Marcene (Marty) Hoover where he became Dad to another son, Paul and 2 daughters, Shelly and Nikki. After being widowed, Richard married long-time friend Nancelyn Kniffin in 2004 and acquired 6 more children. Richard and Nancy spent many very happy years living in Ridge Manor, Fl and continued to make wonderful memories when they moved to St. Mark Village in Palm Harbor, Fl in early 2022. He had a passion for flying and received his pilot's license. He was very involved in his church and took great pleasure in serving in various ways. He especially loved making sure that his wife, Nancy was happy and well taken care of. He also made it known that he treasured all of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his parents Elbert and Myrtle Poe and wife Marcene Hoover Poe. He is survived by his loving wife Nancelyn Kniffin Poe, 2 brothers Robert Poe and Willard Poe, Son David Poe, Son Doug Poe, Son Paul Dollar, Daughter Shelly Burdett, daughter Nikki Bordner, 6 stepchildren, 21 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. 

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