Randall “Poodie” Locke
1952 – May 6, 2009
Poodie Locke worked as Willie Nelson’s stage manager for the past 34 years. According to all reports, Locke was loved by all who met him due to his warm personality, bigger-than-life presence, and bear-like hugs. Besides being one of the brightest and strongest stars in the Willie Nelson world, Locke owned his own Austin-area bar and had his own line of barbecue sauces. Locke first met Nelson when he was just twelve years old and went on to work for him after he did a stint as a roadie for B.W. Stevenson. Poodie Locke died of an apparent heart attack at the age of 56.