Richard Powell

Richard Eugene Powell Obituary Richard Eugene Powell went to be with Jesus on May 31, 2026, at the age of 87. Richard was born on March 15, 1939, in Marion County, South Pittsburg, Tennessee to Rose Bertha Scharer Powell and Harry E Powell. He attended schools in both South Pittsburg, TN and Roswell, NM. He married Dorothy Novella Mayfield on March 21, 1959. He attended Barber School in El Paso, TX and started a lifelong career of cutting hair and visiting with people while he worked. Dick was preceded in death by his Dad, Harry E Powell, his Mom, Rose Bertha Stephens : his Stepdad, J I Stephens, Jr.; in-laws, Novella “Dobie” Mayfield and James Thomas Mayfield; brother-in-law James Floyd Mayfield; sisters-in-law Myrtle Mayfield Steele and Elaine Mayfield Heard; siblings Jim Allen Stephens, Sr. and his wife Sue, and Bonita Stephens. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Novella Mayfield Powell, his daughter Gina Powell Thomas and son-in-law James L Thomas Jr, grandson Eric James Thomas, grandson Jason Wesley Thomas and his wife Danielle Yaple Thomas, and great-grandson Archer James Thomas and great-granddaughter Amelia Jane Thomas. Surviving siblings of Dick’s are Iva Joe Stephens and his wife Linda, and Jani Beth Altman and her husband Ronnie. Other surviving family members on Dorothy’s side are sisters-in-law, Pam Mayfield Rogers and Phyllis Mayfield Russell and her husband Gaylen Russell. There are also many living family members who are a part of this family and its legacy. Richard or Dick, as he was known to his customers, was a barber for many years as well as a real estate agent, furniture salesman and life insurance salesman at various times in his life. He was a natural born salesman who had never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. Dick had many barber shops thru the years and so many loyal customers who appreciated his hair cutting as well as the lively conversation when they were seated in his chair. The loves of Dick’s life were Dot, football (Roswell High Coyotes were his favorite team), talking to people and politics (pretty much in that order). Dick and Dot were able to be in the same room at Casa Maria which was so great since they were married for 67 years. We want to say special thanks to Dewain and Paulette Frost for their love and support for many years. He loved talking to Dewain and it made both his and Dot’s day when he came to visit. Paul and Terri Eachus Taylor also brightened their day when they visited them as did Mr. Roger Curry who was also faithful to keep in touch and pray for him. To any others who I have missed, please know he appreciated your love and friendship. Many of their friends have passed away, but know that they held the memories in their hearts of them and they talked about their times together. We don’t want to forget a special thank you to the Villa Park community where Dick and Dot lived. Dick loved to go over and drink coffee and talk for hours about football and current events at the Clubhouse. He missed his neighbors when he moved to Casa Maria and the news they would share. We truly appreciate the loving care that the staff of Casa Maria gave to Dick during the past several years. They became like family and he made them laugh. When he was feeling good, he was ornery and a lot of fun. The business side of Casa Maria was also extremely helpful while trying to navigate the financial side of things and we are grateful for their expertise. Gentiva Hospice was also such a blessing to our family and I want to make sure they know this! They provided medical help, sound advice and spiritual blessings all along the way. Death is a part of life, but when you haven’t dealt with it up close and personal, it is so appreciated when you have people who help support and guide you thru the long days and answer your many questions. Dick was a Christian and had accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior many years ago and though we are sad that he is gone from us here, we are happy that he is with Jesus Christ and free of pain and suffering. We know we will see him again in heaven and that he will probably have some stories to tell us. There will be a small family gathering in the future to celebrate Dick’s life.

Richard Powell

March 21, 1959 - May 31, 2026