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Written by Dante Dominick
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 One of the truly great spirits in the fabric that makes Austin Austin passed on Wednesday, May 6. Randall “Poodie” Locke died of an apparent heart attack at age 56 in his home in Briarcliff (30 miles west of Austin). While Locke, known to everyone as Poodie, boasted the credentials of Willie Nelson’s longtime stage manager (34 years) and owner of the quietly legendary honky-tonk Poddie’s Hilltop Bar and Grill (in Spicewood), he was most known as a vibrant, colorful character, loved by all. With a grizzly bear frame and a pacifist’s ponytail, Locke embraced life with an infectious verve that spread to everyone in a room with him. Nelson’s official website features a number of odes to Locke, including the first, official announcement from May 6, which includes the request: “Poodie, put us on the list for a backstage pass in heaven!” |
