Lonesome Onry and Mean: R.I.P. Poodie Locke

By William Michael Smith Wed., May 6 2009 at 5:34 PM

Categories: Hillbilly Highway, Lonesome Onry and Mean, Miles-tones, Texas Me, This Just In

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John Belushi (left) and Poodie Locke, date unknown

Word has reached Lonesome, Onry and Mean that longtime Willie Nelson stage manager Poodie Locke passed away shortly after 3 p.m. this afternoon. The cause of death is said to be a "massive heart attack."

Reports of Locke's passing have just gone up on Austin360.com, and Nelson has informed fans via his Web site and Twitter.

LOM's source, who asked not to be named, said she learned via a phone call from a member of Locke's family around 4:30 p.m., and that Locke was at home with his mother at the time of death.

Locke owned the Poodie's Hilltop Grill roadhouse on Highway 71 west of Austin for years and was voted Most Beautiful Baby in Waco in 1952. He was known for his sense of humor, generosity and support of local Austin artists, many of whom played some of their first gigs at Poodie's.

Locke. had been with Nelson through both the highs and lows of long career and, Nelson noted, was his golf partner. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Momma Locke, Cindy, Shea and Poodie's family and friends," Nelson posted.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be made.

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