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Willie Ray Powell, Sr. was the third child born to George Powell & Mae Flower Urdy-Powell on January 2, 1946. He was born in Taylor, Texas and lived in Jonah, Texas. He was educated in the Austin Public Schools and Reagan county Public Schools and graduated from Davenport High School in Big Lake, Texas in1964. That same year, he joined the United States Army and served one complete tour of duty in the Vietnam War. He began his second tour of duty in Vietnam, but it was cut short by the Family Rule when his brother, Jay Powell, went to Vietnam to serve his tour of duty. He served in the United States Army until he was honorably discharged in 1970. He then joined the Army National Guard in 972 and worked as a Full-time Mechanic until he retired in March 1990. Willie P. was a gentleman and as a young man, he was harming, a sharp dresser and had an infectious smile. Willie P’s smile radiated because he had pearly white teeth long before bleaching teeth was in style. He would periodically bleach his teeth with peroxide in order to maintain their whiteness. From his first marriage in 1970, came Dani and Col. Davin Dukes. In 1973, he met the love of his life, Elaine, and won her over by flashing that smile. On July 6, 1974, they were united in marriage, and to this union 3 boys were born. Throughout their marriage, they welcomed many people into their home and their home became a safe haven for those in transition in their lives. Willie & Elaine always had someone staying with them; siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, children, grandchildren, adopted children and more, all found themselves welcome at their home. They celebrated 48years of marriage in July 2022 and were looking forward to having a huge celebration for their 50th anniversary in 2024. Willie P. was the one of the most trusted mechanics in the Austin Community for many years. People from all walks of life entrusted him to service and repair their vehicle due to his excellent work, stellar service, honesty and cost-saving tips. No job was too big or too small for Willie and the team of assistants that he had brought together. From rebuilding engines and transmissions to replacing alternators, starters and radiators to performing oil changes and brake changes, he did it all in excellence. He often shared his extensive knowledge of automotive mechanics with many people and even trained those closest to him on how to properly diagnose, service and repair vehicles. Willie professed a hope in Christ at the age of 12 and was baptized at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Big Lake, Texas. He supported his wife and boys financially, logistically and emotionally behind the scenes in their faithful service to the Lord at various churches. Willie departed this life on January 2, 2023, on his birthday, surrounded by family. Willie was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Georgia (Billy-deceased) Moten; three brothers-in-law, R.C Fuller (Marie), Charles Aikins (Mary) and Curtis Aikins (Bertha); four step brothers, Frazier Black, Larry (Rosemary) Black, David (Martha) Black and Dennis (Dennis) Black; stepsister Eula Black and Diane Black. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Elaine Powell; daughter, Dani Dukes; sons, Davin (Jennifer) Dukes (San Antonio), Willie Powell, Jr. (San Antonio), George (Dana) Powell (Houston) and Vincent Powell (Houston); adopted children, Anjeanette Walker-Powell (Austin) and Brendashai Powell (Lufkin); brother, Pastor James (Elizabeth) Powell (Phoenix); sisters Marie Fuller (McKinney), Mary Aikins Amarillo), Dovie Urdy (Phoenix) and Bertha Aikins (Haltom); stepbrothers, Deacon Willie Black (Carolyn), Johnny Black (Connie) and Ernest Black (Tamara); step sister Jewel Parker; grandchildren, Carice Wilson (San Antonio), Jaylon Dukes (San Antonio), Willie Ray Powell, III (Austin), Jasmin Dukes (San Antonio), Makiya Powell (Houston); great grandchildren Romeo, Brycen & Matthew; nephews, nieces and a hosts of relatives and friends.

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Sgt Willie Ray Powell Sr

January 2, 1946 - January 2, 2023