Ira C. Powers Jr.

1927 - 2015

Ira C. Powers, Jr.

Ira C. Powers, age 88, passed away on Tuesday, August 25, 2015 at his residence in Dyersburg, TN.

Mr. Powers was a member of First Baptist Church in Dyersburg, as well as the Business Men's Sunday School Class. He was a 50 year member of the Juno Masonic Lodge and the Dyer County Retired Teachers Association.

Mr. Powers was born and raised in Lexington, TN, the eldest son of Ira C. and Hattie Dyer Powers. It was in Henderson County that Ira the city boy met his country bride of 66 years, Mary Laverne Pruett. Their family was complete with the birth of one daughter, Sheila Jane.

Ira's first teaching position was in a one room school house, where in addition to teaching all grade levels, he was responsible for building four fires each morning. Over a 30 year career, Mr. Powers served as Superintendent of Atwood Special School District, Principal of Finley Elementary School, Superintendent of Trezevant Special School District, and Principal of Lexington High School.

Mr. Powers enjoyed fishing, camping, and gardening as his outdoor hobbies, but reading and continually learning was his passion. Nothing pleased him more than the opportunity to share his wealth of knowledge in vivid story form. He was known for his expansive knowledge of mathematics, geography, and world history.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Friday in the chapel of Dyersburg Funeral Home, with the Rev. Mike Hickman, Dr. Philip Cook, and the Rev. Neal Chatham officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery.

The family will receive visitors from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Friday at Dyersburg Funeral Home.

Mr. Powers was predeceased by his parents, Ira C. Powers, Sr. and Hattie Dyer Powers; his wife, Mary L. Powers; and his brother, Dr. Robert Powers.

He is survived by daughter, Sheila Jones and husband Jonathan of Dyersburg; two grandsons, Jarred Jones of Birmingham, Alabama, and Reverend Justin Jones and wife Meredith of Memphis. He is also survived by two great-grandsons, Patrick and Simon Jones, and one brother, Bill Powers of Cordova, TN.

Mr. Powers, along with his wife Mary, were blessed to be loved and cared for in later years by a wonderful group of caregivers. This group of "angels" were led by Pam Thompson and Dot Frazier, and the family will be forever grateful for their love and care.

The family requests that memorial be directed to First Baptist Church Building Fund.

Dyersburg Funeral Home, (731) 285-3021.