Wendell Ray Polk was born on May 6, 1962, to William Lee Polk and

Florene Montgomery-Luckett in Waco, Texas.

He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour and joined Pilgrim

Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas.

Wendell received his formal education in the Grand Prairie

Independent School District. He attended Paul Quinn College and

Dallas College El Centro Campus completing the Culinary, Pastry, and

Hospitality program which was the start of his culinary arts career path

as a chef.

Wendell Ray was an entrepreneur and used his craft as a chef serving

in various communities, outreach ministries, and the annual Mitchell

Family Reunion. He was well known by his neighbors for cooking and

baking pastries such as cakes and pies. Cooking was an outlet of peace

and a connection for him; and he shared that gift generously.

Wendell lived with intention, purpose, and gratitude for every blessing

God placed in his path. In his personal life, he found happiness in life's

simple pleasures - time with family, shared meals, and meaningful

conversations. Those who knew him will remember his gentle spirit,

thoughtful counsel, and genuine interest in the well-being of others.

He is preceded in death by his father, William L. Polk; his mother,

Florene Ernestine Luckett and her husband, Pastor Odis D. Luckett;

and four siblings, Weldon Polk, Warren Polk, Edna Mae Luckett, and

Betty W. Johnson.

Wendell leaves to cherish his memories, a special friend, Vincent

Edwards and his nephew Jeremiah Adams; six siblings, William E.

Polk, Wanda F. Music, Vee O. Luckett, William L. Polk, Jr., Timothy

Polk, and Donquelle Polk (Mike); and his stepmother, Erma Lee Polk.

He will be greatly missed by four nephews and three nieces, Derrick

Dotson, Lena Music Dinwiddie (Mitchell), Sara Music (Joe), Jennifer

Music, Lynn Music, Jr., Brian Wright, and Adrian Luckett.

Wendell will be fondly remembered by five great-nephews, Isaac

Music, Jesse Music, Zane Music, Zander Rodriguez and Alijah Ranger;

four great-nieces, Kianna Music, Kaylen Dinwiddie, Kenya Bergeron,

and Mya Zimmons; two great-great-nephews, Kyree Music and Kaden

Muriand; one great-great-niece, Neveah Young; two great-great-great-

nephews, Kingston Rivers and Shiloh Smith; one great-great-great-

niece, Kayla Barnett; two aunts, Margaret Green and Lola Miller; and a

host of other relatives and friends.

We say farewell to a gentle soul whose life touched many and whose

memory will forever bless our lives. Wendell Ray’s gentle presence

will be deeply missed, but the warmth of his spirit lives on in all who

knew him.