William Powell

1932 - 2023

William (Red) Powell
10/21/1932 - 09/14/2023
William (Red) Powell passed away September 14, 2023, due to injuries from a fall. He was born October 21, 1932, in Memphis, TN, to Grover and Clara Powell. He graduated from Christian Brothers High School on a football scholarship and was awarded the Julius Lewis trophy for achievement in athletics and academics. In 1951 he was called to active duty in Korea for the 1st Marine Division. He was a platoon leader at Paris Island in the Fox Company.
After the war, he attended Millsaps college and received a BS in Geology. During his time at Millsaps, he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Who's Who in American Colleges, and the Science Honor Club. He lettered in football and received multiple MVP awards. In 2001 he was inducted into the Millsaps sports Hall of Fame.
Red married Joan Lee in 1954, and they moved to Houston where he attended Rice University and earned a master's and PHD in Geology. He worked for Pan American Petroleum Co., Pogo Producing Co., and also started his own oil and gas exploration company called Powell Petroleum. For many years, he enjoyed weekly tennis games with his friends at the Houston Racquet Club. Red and his family were active members of Memorial Drive Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday school and was a youth group leader.
Red and Jo retired to Brenham, TX in 1998. Even in retirement he pursued an active life as President of the Independence Historical Society, a Board member of Unity Theatre, Scott & White Foundation and the Brenham Methodist Church. He led the establishment of the Washington County Habitat for Humanity chapter and served as their first president.
Joan, his wife of 69 years, their three daughters and their families survive him: Leia & Clay Carpenter, Rebecca & Alan Bielefeldt, and Rachel & Chris Butler. He leaves five grandchildren: Meagan Smith Howell, Hannah Bielefeldt, Will Butler, Margaret Butler and Jack Carpenter; and a great grand daughter, Rebecca June Howell.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, September 22 at 2:00 at the Brenham Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Brenham Methodist Church at 408 N. Baylor St, Brenham, TX 77833.