Mr. Joe Powell

Joe was born in 1938 to Henry and Susie Powell in Conecuh County, Alabama. There he grew up and went to Evergreen High School, before he enlisted into the US Army. His travels took him to many places, like Germany where he meet the love of his life Maureen (Terri) McDonald. Joe and Terri married on October 15, 1960. Soon he was stationed in Huntsville, Alabama, there he raised his 2 children, Joey Powell and Kathy Powell Cameron. After leaving the Army as Sergant 1st Class, he started selling insurance for Metropolitan Life. This is where his love of people really served him well. Joe never met a stranger, he could and would talk to anyone who would listen and most of the time before the conversation had ended he probably knew someone related to them. Metropolitan sent Mr. Powell to Pine Bluff, Arkansas and his business flourished but his children missed Alabama, so he packed them up and ended up on Preston Island. Following the move back, he went back to his family business and in 1974 started up Powell American Vault Company with his brother, Melvin Powell in Hollywood, Alabama. The children went to DAR in Grant and that is where his passion for the town began. He loved the town and he loved the people. Joe made many new friends from all places and ages. Joe had many passions in life, from his faith which he practiced at Henryville Methodist Church, to golf, where he was a member of the Scottsboro Country Club, as well as the Friendship lodge. Another passion of Joe's was The Lions Club. Joe had been recruited earlier years by Larry Veach, so after he retired he found time to really dedicate himself to the growth of the club. He started by starting new clubs, boosting membership participation, and teaching young people the importance of civil responsibility. He had a way about him that people had a hard time saying no to. In just a few short years Joe had started more clubs and boosted memberships, which was the reason he was voted District Governor in 2010. He worked hard on building up existing clubs and gave them the tools to boost their membership. Joe had bought a hearing and vision bus so he and Lion Fred could go around to schools and give much needed hearing and vision screenings. Joe was an electronics teacher at the Redstone Aresenal and after retiring he opened Golden Treasures in Grant. Golden Treasures was know for fine jewelry and gifts which gave him the idea of starting the Grant Merchant Association. He wanted the town of Grant to thrive. Joe also came up with the "Mile Long Yard Sale" which they could sell spots and bring people to our great little town. It was a great success that still goes on today. Joe was also a member of the Grant Chamber of Commerce. Joe’s other passion was golf. When he was able, he would play everyday and loved teaching young ones how to play the game. He held Golf Camps for his nephews and loved every minute of it. His family was very important to him. Along with his wife and children, Joe is survived by his daughter-in-law, Shelia; his son-in-law, Anthony; his granddaughter, Emily; and several nieces and nephews. He loved his friends also. He played weekly games with the guys and I’m sure there was always a laugh. He had a great bunch of friends. After several months of declining health, Joe passed away on Friday December 20, 2019 at home with his family and dog. Joe still wanted to do one more act of kindness, so he donated his body to science. They can look his body over and will never find the fight that brought him through years and years of health issues, but his hope is that they could study his body and help someone one day. There will be a memorial service held on Friday, January 3, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. at Henryville Methodist Church. Friends and family are encouraged to come and have an opportunity to express a memory just you and he had shared. The family kindly asks for no flowers please. He will truly be missed by all.

Mr. Joe Powell

October 29, 1938 - December 20, 2019