Hill Houston Pool, Jr. ("Sonny")

Hill Houston Pool, Jr., affectionately known to all as Sonny Pool, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at the age of 94, surrounded by the warmth and love of his family. A lifelong Austinite, Sonny was born on October 17, 1931, to Hazel and Hill Houston (“Buster”) Pool, Sr. It was in Austin where he built a beautiful, vibrant life grounded in family, hard work, and deep community roots. Sonny grew up alongside three beloved siblings; he was preceded in death by his older sister, Elizabeth (Liz), and is survived by his two younger brothers, Randy (Skipper) and Steve. For over 45 years, Sonny dedicated his time and energy to the family business, Pool Transfer and Storage, located on East 4th, just east of IH 35. Sonny’s heart belonged to his beautiful wife, who preceded him in death, Johnnie (Autry) Pool, with whom he shared 65 wonderful, laughter-filled years of marriage. Together, they navigated life hand in hand, creating a legacy of love that will endure for generations. Along the way, they were blessed with the lifelong, cherished friendship of Marvin and Edd Neva Dabbs. To know Sonny was to know pure joy. He was enthusiastic, beautifully loud, and possessed the kindest soul in the world. His happiness was entirely contagious. A true gentleman of a bygone era, Sonny lived by traditional etiquette; he never met a stranger he wouldn't warmly greet with a firm handshake, and he never let a guest leave without walking them all the way to the door. For Sonny, those sweet gestures of respect never went out of style. Sonny was a passionate sports enthusiast and a fiercely proud Texas Longhorn fan. One of his favorite daily rituals was picking up the morning newspaper, pen in hand, to carefully mark down the times of all the upcoming games. He found great joy in life’s simple pleasures—a hot cup of coffee, an occasional pancake or donut, and a classic vanilla malt. But above all else, Sonny adored his family. He was a man who never missed a birthday. Without fail, he would call his sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to sing his praises and offer his best wishes. He was quite simply the perfect Dad,Grandad and Great-Grandad. He wore those titles like a badge of honor, having proudly attended the birth of all nine of his grandchildren. Sonny was the ultimate family man, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle. He was simply the best, and his boundless generosity will be forever remembered in the hearts of his large, extended family. He is survived by his sons Hill H. ("Buzzy") Pool, III (Ollie Ann), Keith (Ruth), Craig, and Ken (Jill); grandchildren Haley, Hillary, Hanna (Ricardo), Callie (Ben), Chelsey, Grace (Ryan), David (Kylie), Rebekah (Ross), and Cain (Catrina); great-grandchildren Rhyder, Hunter, Mason, Mackenzie, Aurora, Lucas, Parker, William, Lucy, Dutton, Emma, Calliope, Daphne, Blakely, and Micah; brothers Randy (“Skipper”) (Verna Sue) and Steve; close family friends Marvin and Edd Neva Dabbs; and countless loving nieces, nephews, and dear friends. "His energy was contagious, his kindness was limitless, and his love will remain the cornerstone of our family forever." There will be a Memorial held at a future date.

Hill Houston Pool, Jr. ("Sonny")

October 17, 1931 - June 24, 2026