In Willie Nelson: An Epic Life, author Joe Nick Patoski writes, “Poodie Locke, Willie’s stage manager, was the only roadie in show business with his own beer joint, custom logo, and line of barbecue sauce.” Randall “Poodie” Locke, the Nelson Family Band stage manager of 34 years and beloved owner of Poodie’s Hilltop Bar & Grill, died at his home on Wednesday of an apparent heart attack. He was 60.
“When Poodie walked in the room he took it over with his positive outlook and his gregariousness,” says Casey Monahan, director of the Texas Music Office. “He was a real Texan and will be sorely missed.”
A private funeral for Locke will take place at First Baptist Church in his hometown of Waco on Monday. Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, 4-8pm, at the Connally Compton Funeral Directors (4400 W. Waco Drive). A local public celebration is also being planned at Tim’s Porch at the Backyard. Expect for Paula Nelson’s performance there on Saturday to take on heightened significance, along with Ray Benson’s appearance at Poodie’s Hilltop tonight (Friday). For more on Locke, see next Thursday’s Off the Record.
This article appears in May 8 • 2009.