John M. Powell, 77, of Malone went home to be with Jesus on March 16 , 2023, surrounded by his family who loved him very much.
John was a gentle soul with an infectious smile. He did not talk about people, but if he liked you, you would certainly know it. He was a simple man, didn’t want for much, but if he wanted something, he went and got it. He was a family man; loved his children, and only that smile when they walked in the room could explain his love for his grandkids. He was a good provider and loved and protected his wife, Dianne for 53 years.
John attended Greenwood School, served in the U S Army for two years, including a year in Vietnam. After his service in the Army, he came back home to the family farm. John worked by his dad and brothers for many years, as well as Pender Peanut Company, drove a gas truck for Miller Gas Company, and worked in Corrections, where he retired.
John and Dianne married on March 11, 1970, and settled in Malone, Florida, after living on the family Powell Farm for a short period. John and Dianne were blessed with two wonderful sons, Doug and Steve Powell.
John is preceded in death by his parents, John Wills and Annie Lois Powell; his brothers, Joe and Clinton Powell; his sisters, Annie Pearl Powell, Lavonne Fowler, and Mary Lou Tyus.
He is survived by his wife, Dianne B. Powell; sons, Doug Powell and wife, Shannon of Altha, Fl; Steve Powell and wife, Sharoi from Dothan, Alabama; grandchildren, Sydney Kate Powell, Kamauri Russ, Royal Powell, and Reagan Powell; his beloved sister, Cora Strickland; sister-in-law, Gloria Powell; and brother in law, Joe Bob Baxter; John also has a host of nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
John attended Friendship Baptist Church in Malone faithfully with his wife. He was a member of the Men’s Sunday School Class there.
We want to thank Jackson Hospital staff, TMH staff and the Big Bend Hospice House for the excellent care given to John during his sickness. A big thank you to Sue McMillan, Bev Baxter, Olga and Jim Burroughs, April Powell, and Pastor Nash Wills of Friendship Baptist Church for the compassion shown us during this time of sickness.
Funeral services are planned for 10 AM, Monday, March 20, 2023 at Friendship Baptist in Malone. Pastors, Revs. Gary French and Nash Wills officiating. Interment will follow in Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.
Visitation will be Sunday, March 19, 2023 from 4-6 PM at Friendship Baptist, 5507 Friendship Church Road in Malone.
Pallbearers will be Rex Tyus, Phil Winget, Jim Bob Baxter, Joey Baxter, Jim Burroughs, and Jamey Floyd. Honorary pallbearers are the members of his Sunday School Class.
Family request flowers be omitted and memorial contributions be made to the Building Fund at Friendship Baptist Church, 5507 Friendship Church Road, Malone, Florida 32445 or Big Bend Hospice House in Tallahassee, https://bigbendhospice.charityproud.org/Donate. Expressions of sympathy may be made online at www.jamesandsikesfuneralhomes.com.
