John Paul Poling

John Paul Poling, 98, of Ripley, WV, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 11, 2023 following a brief illness at Jackson General Hospital. Paul was born January 30, 1925, in Kenna, a son of the late James Benjamin and Ada Earnestine (Skeen) Poling. Paul was a 1942 graduate of Ripley High School. He served for a period of time in the armed forces and graduated from the National Institute of Technology in Chicago, IL, in 1949 with a degree in Practical and Industrial Electricity. Paul returned to Ripley and was one of the first employees hired to build the Kaiser Aluminum plant in Ravenswood. He would later retire from Kaiser Aluminum after 29 years of service. After his retirement from Kaiser, Paul obtained his real estate license and worked for Century 21 for several years. Paul was also the author of several books including; The History and Genealogy of the Poling Family, The Civil War in Jackson County, Memories of Yesteryear, Felix The Flea and two books of poetry. He was a member of the Parchment Valley Baptist Church where he and his wife Vivian were active members until recent years. Paul is survived by his wife of 72 years, Vivian Marie (Fluharty) Poling; three children Paulette Nester (Ben) of Ripley, Kathy Butler (Rod Schultz) of Normantown, WV and Jim Poling of Ripley. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents Paul was preceded in death by a son, Ronald Dale Poling. A Celebration of Life will be held 12 p.m. Wednesday, November 15th at Waybright Funeral Home, Ripley with Dr. Matt Ash and Rev. Herman Robinson officiating. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow in the Pine Hill Cemetery, Ripley. In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made in Paul’s memory to a charity of your choice. Online memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.waybrightfuneralhome.com