Napolean "Pole" Therise was born December 18, 1956 in St. Stephen, SC to the union of Solomon Mack Therise Sr. and Juanita Smith whose ships have already sailed away. "Pole" was educated in the Berkeley County School System, graduating from St. Stephen High School in 1976. He was a fierce competitor in basketball, playing center during his high school days. He worked various jobs but settled on construction until his disability. As his ship sails away, he leaves standing on the banks with fond memories of him: three sisters, Deloris "Mell" (David) of Bronx, NY, Loesker (Ron) of Indianapolis, IN, and Karen "Chell" (Larry) of Cincinnati, OH; eight brothers: Willie James "Bozo" (Mary) of Bartow, FL, Solomon Jr. (Betty) of Pompono, FL, Albert and Benjamin of Warren, MI, Frederick "Freddie" of New Orleans, LA, Robert (Annette) of Moncks Corner, SC, Andrew "Panny" of Chaska, MN and Edward "Tommy" of Cincinnati, OH; uncles and aunts; nieces and nephews; a special friend and caregiver, Dr. Elaine Gamble Norton; and a host of other relatives and friends.