Richard Powell

Richard Powell of Baton Rouge, LA passed away on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at the Mayo Clinic Hospital St. Mary’s Campus in Rochester, Minnesota.  Although Richard passing was unexpected, his heavenly homecoming was not unexpectant to our Lord.

He was born on October 18, 1946, in Valdese, NC to Edison Lee Powell and Margaret Louise Parise.  Richard was a direct descendant of the Waldensian colony who settled in Valdese, North Carolina during the 1890s.   In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother, Henry Lynn Powell and his wife, Sandi Queen Powell.

Richard graduated from Frances Garrou High School (aka Valdese High School) in 1965.  He attended Garner Webb, UNC Charlotte and graduated Appalachian State University.  After graduation, he acquired a position with Superior Cable Company in Hickory, North Carolina.  He was a salesman for Southwire Company in Charlotte before being transferred to Baton Rouge, LA.  He later worked for Graybar Electric and in 1983 started his own company, RLP Electrical Sales, Inc.

With a lifelong love for sports, he played baseball in high school and excelled in racquetball as an adult. He served as an umpire for high school football, baseball, and fast pitch softball. Believing sports helped build character, he coached and encouraged young people in all these sports. Richard had great pride in his children and grandchildren. All have followed his lead in sports participation.

Richard is survived by his wife of 49 years, Bernice Stillwell Powell, a daughter, Monica Powell Robinson and husband William Brent Robinson; a son, Rusty Lee Powell and his wife, Lindsey Morgan King; four grandchildren, Olivia LeAnne Robinson, William Joseph Robinson, Layton Matthew Powell, and Sutton Grace Powell.  He is also survived by two nephews in North Carolina, Scott Lynn Powell, and Chad Shelton Powel; and four great nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday January 29th at 2:00 p.m. at Resthaven Gardens of Memory on Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Pastor Frank Friedmann of Grace Life Fellowship will conduct the service.  A Celebration of Life service is planned for a later date.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital his favorite charity, in lieu of flowers.