Benny Powers

1941 - 2022

Benny Powers

Jan. 25, 1941 - April 22, 2022

Benny Lloyd Powers passed away peacefully in Valley Mills, Texas after a battle with lung cancer, surrounded by his wife and children on April 22, 2022, listening to The Spirit of Aggieland and The Aggie War Hymn.

He was born January 25, 1941, the 2nd of 4 children born to Bill and Hazel (Reed) Powers. Benny grew up in Valley Mills, playing in the creeks and rivers, following his Papaw Reed and fighting with his older brother Billy Reed. By high school he had established himself as a force to contend with on the football field. He was the only Freshman on the varsity team, and ultimately earned SuperCentex honors, was selected for the North/South All Star game and had several scholarship offers. He selected Texas A&M College but unfortunately sustained a knee injury during practice for the All-Star game that ended his dream of wearing the maroon and white at Kyle Field. Instead, he joined the Corps, completed his education and has bled maroon since.

While playing high school basketball Benny was introduced to the love of his life, Alta Lorenz, by his coach's wife (her sister). His younger brother, Brent, went on many dates so Benny could get the car, and thus a lifetime of love and happiness began. They were married September 2, 1961. Benny temporarily stopped his education for a semester so Alta could finish her degree. Once she graduated from Baylor University they returned to College Station where Benny earned a Bachelor of Science degree.

During summers and weekends Benny worked for his father's construction business. Two notable projects were the construction of the waterways that became the beautiful San Antonio River Walk and a two-year project temporarily closing and dredging Roll Over Pass at Gilcrest on Boliver Peninsula.

After graduation Benny coached and taught in Florence, Marble Falls & Valley Mills. Later he taught in China Spring (during which time he earned his master's degree in education from Tarleton State University). In order to provide more for his family than a 2-teacher income allowed, Benny "supported his teacher habit" by driving for Central Freight and Chemical Lime on weekends and summer breaks for many years. His career continued as an elementary school principal in China Spring, high school principal in Valley Mills, assistant principal in Bosqueville and eventually he retired from the Rio Brazos Special Education Co-op after assignments at the Methodist Boys Ranch, Avalon School for Girls, and Waco Center for Youth. His impact has been evidenced by the relationships he maintained throughout the decades as well as the outreach from former students during his lifetime.

After retirement Benny enjoyed golfing with his early morning friends at Bosque Valley Golf Club and numerous trips to Pagosa Springs, Colorado where many family memories were made with his children and grandchildren. He loved his family, and those relationships were a top priority. This included many family holiday celebrations, weekends at the Powers family deer lease, family reunions, and great times at the Lorenz family farm. Benny loved well and was well loved! Benny was a joker, a prankster, a magician, a storyteller, a fisherman, a stranger to none, a mentor to many, but most of all a husband, father, Papaw, and an Aggie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Cheryl Tharp; and brother-in-law, Lynn Tharp; as well as several Lorenz family in-laws.

He is survived by Alta, his loving wife of 60 years; daughter, Michele Lloyd and husband, Dave, daughter, Joy Powers; son, Bryce Powers; five grandsons, Ben Johns, Jacob Harris, Zac Powers, Ryan Lloyd, and Michael Bassett; brothers, Billy Reed (and wife Becky) and Brent (and wife Lori) Powers; numerous nieces and nephews, sister in law, Theo Pilot; and special friend and brother in law, Ted Lorenz.

A private graveside service was held by the family at the Valley Mills Cemetery under the direction of Foss Funeral Home and Cremation Center. Per Benny's wishes, there will be a celebration of his life (a "roast" as he called it) to share stories and memories. This celebration will happen in the fall since that was Benny's favorite time of year (football & deer seasons). Information for this celebration will be published at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Valley Mills I.S.D. Educational Fund in memory of Benny Powers, PO Box 126, Valley Mills, Texas 76689 or Bosque County A & M Club, 419 CR 3105, Clifton, Tx. 76634 ~ Donations to General Scholarship Fund.

You may sign the online register book at www.fossfuneralhome.com