Sam Ray Powell

Sam Ray Powell, 86, of Mt. Ida, Arkansas left this world and was called home by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, March 13, 2025. He was born April 4, 1938 in Osceola, Arkansas to Jay Homer Powell and Lee Earl Carnell Powell.

He is preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Francis Augustia Powell Wilson of California, brothers Sidney Turner Powell, Brown Lee Powell, Curtis Thomas Powell, and Billy Dwitt Powell.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Cora Lee Parnell Powell, three daughters Carole Lee Powell Belew (Shawn) of Eureka Springs, AR, Samantha Rhea Powell Black (John T) of Waterproof, LA, and Carmen Dolores Powell of Little Rock, AR. Nine grandchildren Lori Binns, Zakk Binns (Nicole), Jamie Lee McHaffie (Larry), Shelby Rhea Dofflemyer (Donald), MaeLee Reed, Ian Black, Anthony Balzumati (Tori), Sydni Powell (Dusty), Hank Binns and 15 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews that loved him.

Born in Osceola to a farming family, hard work was instilled in him at an early age. He grew up in Garland county where his love of hunting and fishing began. He attended Fountain Lake schools. A strong sense of patriotism rang true in the Powell family, driving him to leave school in the 11th grade to join the Marines where he served two years as a rifle instructor. He returned to Fountain Lake High School and graduated in 1959.

While in high school Sam’s brother, Brown Lee, led him to the Lord. As an active church member and Sunday School teacher, he demonstrated his love for Jesus and others through servantship, love, and sharing the gospel in conversation and actions in a life dedicated to Jesus. He was a member of Lake Ouachita Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Gideons International to support their mission of distributing Bibles worldwide. There will be a memorial at Lake Ouachita Baptist Church on Saturday, April 5, at 1 pm to celebrate a life well lived for Jesus Christ. Visitation will follow in the church fellowship hall. Arrangements are under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida. Guest register at www.thorntonfh.com.