Retavis Lee 'RL' Polk's Obituary
Mr. Retavis Lee Polk was born to Rev. Collie and Mrs. Erushia Polk on February 1, 1936, in Gonzales, Texas. Mr. Retavis Lee Polk transitioned from life on Earth and continued his journey to Heaven and everlasting life on November 22, 2023.
While in grade school, Mr. Retavis Lee Polk was actively involved in sports. He graduated high school as Valedictorian of his high school class. Mr. Retavis Lee Polk pursued his college studies. RL attended several college courses, but did not obtain a college degree.
Mr. Retavis Lee Polk married Edna in 1961 and they remained married for 43 years until Edna transitioned from life on Earth and continued her journey to Heaven and everlasting life on February 7, 2005. During their marriage, Retavis and Edna brought into the world four children. Elba (who transitioned from life on Earth and continued her journey to Heaven and everlasting life on September 5, 2013), Raynard, Michelle, and Matthew.
Mr. Retavis Lee Polk was fondly known by many as “RL” and he gave his life to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ while serving honorably in the United States Navy. RL served in the U.S. Navy overseas, including in Cuba, Japan, Vietnam, and the Philippines. RL served three military tours in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. RL retired from the U.S. Navy to stay closer to his family and remain actively involved in his children’s lives.
Mr. Retavis Lee Polk was employed in various businesses and industries over decades of his life. He worked as a transit bus driver and instructor. Additionally, he worked and retired from the United States Post Office. Later in life, RL was a restaurant owner with his wife, Sun, whom he married in 2009. Mrs. Sun Polk blessed him with three more sons who were already born from Sun’s prior marriage. These sons were an important part of RL’s life. David, Joseph, and Samuel (who transitioned from life on Earth in 2021).
Mr. Retavis Lee Polk believed in a life of teaching and service. He volunteered his time and gave of his resources for the betterment of his community and the world. He served as a missionary in Ghana and the Philippines. He served as a Sunday school teacher, a Bible Study leader, a Church Steward, and a Choir member. RL championed many causes. RL served as a leader for housing development, and he supported various Veteran Support Groups. RL shared his wisdom with others and RL remained a man of faith.
Mr. Retavis Lee Polk is survived by his wife, Sun, his children (Raynard and wife, Gracie; Michelle and husband, James; Matthew and wife, Canfel; David and wife, Sung Min; and Joseph), his grandchildren, his cousins, his nieces, his nephews, and other loved ones near and far. RL will be missed, and he will be remembered.
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