Robert Withers Poellnitz Sr., a native of Greensboro, has died at the age of 97. Mr. Poellnitz was raised in the antebellum Harvey- Poellnitz home on west Main Street in Greensboro.
Robert Poellnitz was the last living World War II member of the Black Warrior River Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, Tuscaloosa, and a SAR member for over 60 years. AMONG OTHER HONORS, was awarded the Purple Heart and at the Battle of the Bulge, he was awarded the Bronze Star for VALOR, teaming up with another soldier to destroy a German tank(s) by one soldier running and placing a gasoline can on the engine compartment and another soldier leaving a hand grenade next to it. One of his most memorable experiences was a battle with German infantry and tanks near the end of the War near Cologne, Germany.
Afterwards, Mr. Poellnitz, a graduate of Auburn University, had a very successful professional career in the insurance industry, and an equally full personal and active civic life in the city of Tuscaloosa, all the way up until his peaceful death. He was a long time supporter of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity on The University of Alabama campus In Tuscaloosa.
Services were conducted by the Rev. Paul Pradat at Christ Episcopal Church, Tuscaloosa, AL, Saturday, the 16th of July at 12 noon. The Crucifer was Henry Poellnitz III, the Lector was Farley Alston Poellnitz, Jr. and the Organist was Dr. Steven Taranto. A reception followed in Randall Hall. Burial was in the Alston plot at Evergreen Cemetery, Tuscaloosa.
Mr. Poellnitz is survived by his wife of 71 years, née Mary Farley Alston of Tuscaloosa; daughter, Eugenia Poellnitz Knipp;
sons Robert W. Jr (Marcy) and Farley Alston Poellnitz (Pam;) and SIX grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was predecessed by his parents Carolyn (McFadden) and Henry W. Poellnitz Sr., and his brother Henry W. Poellnitz Jr.
