John Bruce Powers

John Bruce Powers obituary, Church Hill, TN

John Bruce Powers

John Powers Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Johnson-Arrowood Funeral Home on May 2, 2024.

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John Bruce Powers, 1957-2024, Our world will not be the same without this generous, talented, loving man.
Born in Greenville, Tennessee to Pastor Robert S. & Carol F. Powers, raised in the church with a foundation of giving and living for others.
John graduated in 1975 from McMinn County High School in Athens, Tennessee. He then went on and graduated with Bachelor's Degree in 1980 from Emory & Henry College, and graduated with a Master's Degree in education and english in 1983 from Virginia Tech.
He was very involved with the church and community. You may know him from any of these activities and groups: Director of music at Kingsley United Methodist Church for 29 years and simultaneously involved with ChoirFest, Silver Sounds, worked with Retired Pastors Association, Boy Scouts, Kingsley Kids, Symphony Of The Mountains, member of the Bloomingdale Ruritan Club, Shades Of Grace, president of the Kingsport Music Club, co-leader of Single Vision Ministry for Single Adults, and organized many different types of group outings. His giving lifestyle has touched and changed many lives. He was generous with his time, talent and financial resources and would help anyone with anything if it was within his power. Today we celebrate his life and will miss him greatly.
John, you have enriched our lives and hearts as well as giving us a model of a life sacrificed for the glory of God.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Mayfair United Methodist Church in Kingsport, TN. The family encourages anyone with stories, memories, or pictures of John to share them to the guestbook on the funeral home website.

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May 4, 2024

April Addington posted to the memorial.

May 4, 2024

Gleason Holt posted to the memorial.

May 4, 2024

Brenda Heidt posted to the memorial.

April Addington

May 4, 2024

This man meant a lot to me. The year after Ollie got started in Scouting, a new program started for Kindergartners, called Lions. Arthur was the right age, but there wasn´t a Lion program nearby, so we found one in Bloomingdale and decided to drive over there. The Pack ended up not having the leaders for it, so the Cubmaster himself led the program. And Arthur ended up being the only Lion. But we had a great time learning about Scouting and learning life lessons from Mr. John Powers. One fun thing that´s sticking out in my mind was the time he taught us how to cut a pineapple the right way! The picture below was at Arthur´s crossover ceremony that John drove all the way to Nickelsville to be a part of.

Gleason Holt

May 4, 2024

In the six years we knew each other, John never missed a show that I was in. Didn´t matter if it was Kingsport or Jonesborough or Abingdon. John made it a point of telling me I was one of his favorite actors, and I tried my hardest to make him proud with each performance.

He once encouraged me to branch out by auditioning at a new theatre. And sure enough, he was once again in the front row, arms casually crossed, his hearty, warm laughter ever-present. Now even a sold out performance will feel like it is a person short without John Powers.

John, you remain a personal example of generosity, a source of joy as a performer, and I´ll always remember that you believed in me on a personal level. Rest easy, my friend.

Brenda Heidt

May 4, 2024

Our family´s first memories of John were at St. Luke UMC where John was our choir director and his father was our Pastor. I sat next to John´s mother, Carol, in our choir´s alto section-and certainly the most powerful memory of John that stands out to me today was when he asked me to sing "A Mother´s Prayer" on Mother´s Day, 1991. Little did John know that I had never sung a solo of an entire song before, but with John as a Director and the Lord by my side there was a Peace about it and I did it! Today I still have a cassette recording of that day, and I will play it over and over as a confirmation that "A Mother´s Prayer" never ends, no matter how long answers may take...The Heidt Family thanks you, Loves you-and we will see you again, John!

Buddy and Nancy Alley

May 4, 2024

John will truly be missed, from his laughter to his beautiful voice when he sang. St. Luke was blessed to have John as a Choir Director, and I got to sing many duets with him... Heaven has gained a wonderful person and I can almost hear him singing 'How Great Thou Art' ~~ until we meet again my friend...Nancy and Buddy Alley~~~

Judy Dean

May 4, 2024

I sang with the Silver Sounds under John´s leadership. We had many great times together. I really loved hearing him sing and also singing duets with him. Rest In Peace. Love, Judy Dean

Wayne and Jean Starnes

May 4, 2024

John shared Jesus wherever he went, with whomever he met, in whatever way he could. What a blessing he was during his time at St Luke. We are truly thankful for the opportunity to know and love him.

Carol Alley

May 3, 2024

John was so faithful to God through his activities with the UMC. His voice touched so many hearts over the years in so many places and services. He will be greatly missed here on earth. See you soon, John!

Terry Eldridge

May 3, 2024

Will miss John´s beautiful voice and miss him in Liberty Celebration.

BK Martin

May 3, 2024

There was always a buzz backstage when someone told us John was in the audience. We knew we could count on him to laugh, clap and be an excellent audience member. After the shows, he was always encouraging and full of praise. He made a lasting impression and will definitely be missed.

Autumn and Caleb Banks

May 2, 2024

John never failed to be an encourager. It seems like every time I ever saw him, he always had such kind words to say. He was so encouraging towards our ministry, Phillips and Banks, and always came out to support our concerts whenever he was able. I'm so thankful to have known John for the last several years, and that I was so lucky to have been blessed and encouraged by his incredible kindness. See you soon, John!

Linda Porter Moore

May 2, 2024

Linda Porter Moore

May 2, 2024

Larry wiley

May 2, 2024

John was good man filled w humor and devotion to God he will be missed

Mikel Caywood

May 2, 2024

When I think of John Powers, three things come to mind: He was a true disciple of Jesus, he had an incredible baritone voice, and he knew history very well. John understood the meaning of friendship and laying down one's life for others. He was part of our Upper East Tennessee Ministers of Music group where he hosted several of those monthly meetings. John and I sang many duets in local nursing homes together. Mostly, I just listened to him belt out the tunes with an incredible vigor and joy. For several years, John led our creative team for Kingsport Liberty Celebration. John was an incredible individual and will leave a very large legacy of love. We're all going to miss him this side of Heaven.

Rochelle Maxwell

May 2, 2024

Annual Conference of the UMC. Always a participant and encourager.

Maxine Isner

May 2, 2024

John sang at both my brothers and my fathers funerals. He had a huge heart, big voice, and an amazing witness for Jesus. Our entire community will have a hole in our hearts with his passing. I will never forget him singing Amazon Grace in the pouring rain at my brother. Stephen's graveside service, of course we all joined in. Now, he is singing with Jesus and His Heavenly choir. May you each find peace and comfort in knowing John's witness continues on.

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320 Grandview Street PO Box 205, Church Hill, TN 37642

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Sign John Powers's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 4, 2024

April Addington posted to the memorial.

May 4, 2024

Gleason Holt posted to the memorial.

May 4, 2024

Brenda Heidt posted to the memorial.