Ludowici – Elton Rob Poppell, 79, went home to be with Jesus on Thursday, September 19, 2024, under the direction of Coastal Hospice after a long illness.  He was born at home in The Tibet Community on May 18, 1945, and was a lifelong resident of Long County and the youngest of nine siblings.  He was a general laborer much of his life and retired from Edgy’s Mill in Brunswick, GA.  He always had a smile on his face and would give you the shirt off his back.  He loved his friends and family and loved to make everyone laugh with his witty humor.  He was an avid outdoorsman, hunter, and jack-of-all-trades.  He loved raising livestock, especially his chickens and goats. 

He was preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Betty Lou Hendrix Wildes in 2021; stepson, Larry Wildes, father, Eddie F. Poppell, mother, Minnie Martha Rozier Poppell; brothers, Vernon D. Poppell, Sr., Bernard Luke “Bad Boy” Poppell, Tom B. Poppell, Barney F. Poppell; sisters, Emma Lee Howard Rozier, Ina Mae Poppell Thomas, and Eddie Mae Poppell Young.

Survivors are a son, Robert Poppell of Ludowici, stepson, Lamar Wildes (Kathy) of Haddock, two stepdaughters, Patricia Ann Burkett (Alviah) of Douglas, and Patsy Cook (Ray) of Waycross; sister, Bobbie Poppell Ryals of Townsend.  He is also survived by a double-first cousin, George Poppell of Ludowici; several step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Elton was of the Baptist faith and was named after two primitive Baptist ministers, “Elton Darling” and “Rob Gill” by his mother who was an avid church member.    

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at 2 pm at the Howard Funeral Home Chapel in Ludowici.  The family will receive visitors one hour prior to services.  Burial will be in The Davis Cemetery in Long County.

Active pallbearers will be Gary Ryals, Ray Ryals, Jerry Ryals, Barry Ryals, Brock Poppell, and Brad Poppell.

Honorary pallbearers will be Tony Ryals, Leland Beecher, Herman Wells, Robert Cook, Jeffrey Simmons, Lourie Morris, Larry Davis, Jerry Young, and Jeremy Colclasure.

The family would like to especially thank the staff of Altamaha Healthcare of Jesup and the nurses of Coastal Hospice of Brunswick for all their care and services.

Family and friends may sign the online register at www.howardfuneralga.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Howard Funeral Home of Ludowici.

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