Dr. William Morton Powell

Dr. William Morton Powell, of Athens, known to his many friends and associates as Bill, died peacefully at home on Easter Sunday, surrounded by loved ones. He was 84.
Bill is survived by his niece, Sylvia McLaughlin of Halifax, VA; four sons and daughters-in-law: William M. Powell, Jr. (Martha) of Roswell, Stephen A. Powell (Ann) of Summerfield, NC, Timothy J. Powell (Kathy) of Statesboro, and Scott D. Powell (Beverly) of Athens; ten grandchildren and seven grandchildren-in-law: Preston Powell (Alexandra), Amanda Hodierne (Adam), Andrew Powell (Kim), Christine Stone (John), Brian Powell (Krista), Laura Holloman (Scott), William Davis Powell, Wade Powell, Kimberly Powell, and Parker Powell; eight great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews. In death, he is now reunited with Janye, his beloved wife of 61 years, along with two brothers and two sisters.
A native of Halifax County, VA, Bill was born on May 12, 1930 to the late John Edward and Annie Lovelace Powell. He was a 1953 graduate and member of the Corps of Cadets of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, VA. After serving in the U.S. Army, he continued his education at North Carolina State University, where he earned Master of Science and PhD. degrees.
Arriving in Athens in 1960, Dr. Powell was a faculty member at the University of Georgia for 33 years, working with the students and agricultural producers of his adopted state as a plant pathologist. Though always a loyal "Hokie," his first allegiance was to the Bulldog Nation, which he served for nearly 15 years as faculty representative to the UGA Athletic Association. Since 1993, the Athletic Association's Bill Powell Award has been given annually in recognition of outstanding service to UGA athletics.
Dr. Powell was a charter member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, which he helped form in 1966. He served Covenant in every lay capacity from Clerk of Session to softball coach, but none was closer to his heart than his many years teaching and playing with children in the Sunday Morning nursery. He also showed his commitment to Christian service as a long-time delivery volunteer in the Athens Community Council on Aging Meals-on-Wheels program.
Even beyond the passion Dr. Powell brought to his profession and his community service, his greatest devotion was as husband, father and "Papa." He is forever endeared to his children, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren for the loving, caring way he was a special part of their lives. Whether at a wedding, graduation, ball game, recital, or just a chance to spend time together, Papa always made his family know they were his biggest joy. He will be cherished by his family always.
The family expresses its heartfelt gratitude to Bill's very close friends, St. Mary's Hospice and the Pulmonary Rehabilitation staff at Athens Regional Hospital for all the comfort and happiness they brought as his time in this life grew short.
A memorial service will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, April 11 at Covenant Presbyterian Church, with the Reverends Mark Harper and Beecher Mathis officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:30 util 7:30, Friday, April 10, 2015 at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church.
Lord and Stephens East is in charge of the arrangements.