Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Paul Powell
12/6/1933 - 12/28/2016
Paul Powell
12/6/1933 - 12/28/2016
Obituary
Guest Book
Paul Powell Obituary
Paul was born December 6, 1933 in Brookeland, Texas. He grew up in Port Arthur, the son of Jodie and Mary Powell.
He was a pastor for 34 years, 17 of those at Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler. He also worked as President and CEO of GuideStone Financial Services, an organization that manages the retirement accounts of ministers and missionaries worldwide. For six years, he served as Dean of Baylor University's George W. Truett Theological Seminary. For two years, during the 1980s he served as president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Powell earned his degrees from Baylor and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Paul also served as past Chairman of the Board at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Health System, past President of Robert M. Rogers Foundation and was active on the Board of Directors of Southside Bank. He was a member of numerous boards and recipient of numerous honors for his service to the Tyler community and his denomination. He authored over 50 books that focused on encouraging pastors and inspiring others to reach their full potential in Christ, which was his greatest passion.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Cathy Powell of Tyler; son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Suzanne Powell of Tyler; daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Mitchell Gropper of Dallas; grandchildren, Jordan Powell, Katie Kallas and Matt Kallas; and sister, Lillian "Punk" Wassenick of Nederland. He was preceded in death by his son, Kent, who died in April.
Visitation is scheduled for 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, January 1, 2017, at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, in Tyler. A memorial service is scheduled for Monday, January 2, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Green Acres Baptist Church, private burial at Cathedral In The Pines Cemetery under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home.
Memorials can be made to Baylor University, noting the "Paul W. Powell preaching fund" on the memo line, and mailed to Baylor University, George W. Truett Theological Seminary, One Bear Place, #97126, Waco TX 76798-7126 (this fund will be used to teach and train pastors for the ministry), Meals on Wheels Ministry, 3001 Robertson Rd., Tyler, TX 75701 or a charity of your choice.
His last prayer was for God to bless his family, friends and America.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
January 31, 2017
Cathy know your family is in our prayers. Our wonderful friend and pastor is now rejoicing with my Mom and Dad and so many others. How we loved him. We know we'll see him again. Love from the Harold Williamson family from Taylor
Edwin Slater
January 9, 2017
When attending SWTSU in the latter 60s I joined the First Baptist Church in San Marcos. Brother Powell, "Pope Paul" as we respectfully referred to him, gave me valuable spiritual guidance and pointed me in the right direction. His sermons always inspired me and most seemed to be directed to me. I often wondered if he had spies watching me throughout the week. Rest in Peace, Brother Powell.
Floyd Etheridge
January 5, 2017
Dr. Powell baptized me over 30 years ago, and was a pivotal part in the beginning of my life in Christ. He is now where he has waited his whole life to be, in the immediate presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
"Well done good and faithful servant."
May God bless the memory of him for eternity.
Jan James
January 5, 2017
What a life well lived! His energy was remarkable. Praising God that I got to hear him preach and laugh with him as he taught from the word of God.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Juvenal Cervantes
January 4, 2017
God's blessings to Cathy and Powell family. Dr. Powell was a prince of a man. He always took the time to respond to my emails, always ready to give advice about ministry.
Nora Burns
January 2, 2017
January 2, 2017
Paul Powell was a great man. He will be missed by many. My most heartfelt sympathy goes to Cathy and all the family.
Tricia Dudley
January 1, 2017
My mom and I listened to Dr. Powell when he was interim pastor with First Baptist Tyler. We would listen to him every week and really missed hearing his inspiring messages when he was no longer there. I had the opportunity to share with Dr. Powell how much we had enjoyed his messages sometime later when I saw him at Green Acres. He was so gracious and kind in his response to me. Some time later my mom and I were eating at Chuy's and to our delight when we asked for our ticket we were told our ticket had already been paid. Dr. Powell and his precious wife were also eating at Chuy's that evening, and the kind lady who waited on us told us Dr. Powell and his wife had paid for our meal. I will never forget that act of kindness. I will always remember Dr. Paul Powell and his kindness. May God bless and comfort each of his loved ones.
Wendell & Christina Mitchell
January 1, 2017
Paul, was a great great preacher,during our 17 years as a member of Green Acres Baptist Church. May God Bless the Powell family through these difficult times. Christina & Wendell Mitchell
Elizabeth Doyle smith and Greg Smith
January 1, 2017
Cathy and Powell family so sorry to hear about Paul's passing. Thank you for sharing this wonderful man with the rest of the world. God bless you and give you peace.
Jan Wood
January 1, 2017
God created only one "St. Paul" as he was know to friends. Everyone who crossed paths with him will remember him as a true servant of God. May God comfort each of his loved ones at this time.
Charles & Maxine Herbst
January 1, 2017
He will be missed by everyone. We were friends since he came to Tyler.
Mike Ford
January 1, 2017
A faithful servant and my dear friend over the last 35 years. Can't wait to see you again.
Bill Baker
December 31, 2016
My heart goes out to the entire family.
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, Tyler, TX 75703
Make a Donation
in Paul Powell's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
How to support Paul's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Paul Powell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
