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Submitted: 9/3/23 • Approved: 9/4/23 • Last Updated: 10/24/23 • R444379-G444379-S3
Tommy
November 19, 1936 - July 21, 2021
Mary
March 21, 1939 - May 22, 2021
SHREVEPORT- Funeral services celebrating the life of Tommy Brooks Powell, will be held Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at 12 PM at Broadmoor Baptist Church. The family will receive friends on Tuesday morning from 10 to 11:45 AM in the church main sanctuary. Interment will take place at Forest Park West Cemetery following the service. Tom Harrison, minister at Broadmoor Baptist Church, will be officiating the service.
Tommy went home to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 21, 2021 at the age of 84. He was born on November 19, 1936 in Haynesville, Louisiana. He was the son of Brooksie and Inez Powell. Tommy graduated from Vivian High School and attended Louisiana Tech where he received his undergraduate degree in education. He later received his masters and plus 30 in education from Northwestern State University. Tommy was a longtime member of Broadmoor Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and taught Sunday School. He also served his country as a member of the Louisiana National Guard Reserves. Tommy married Beth Sanders in 1960 at First Baptist Church in Vivian, Louisiana. Tommy and Beth moved to Shreveport, Louisiana where they raised their three children.
During high school, Tommy ran track. He was selected to run in the state Meet of Champions. After graduating, he entered Louisiana Tech on a full track scholarship. Coach Mize, head track coach, offered Tommy this scholarship while he was working in Oil City for CitiService digging ditches. He was a middle-distance runner and a 4-year letterman in this division of athletics. In 1960, Tommy began his career in the Caddo Parish School System teaching math and coaching football, basketball, and track at Oak Terrace Junior High. At Oak Terrace, it was his pleasure to help start athletes like Terry Bradshaw, Joe Ferguson, and others in their careers.
In 1967, Tommy moved to Captain Shreve High School to join the first faculty and coaching staff. He was honored to be chosen by Stanley Powell, Principal, and Lee Hedges, Head Football Coach. During his 27 years at Captain Shreve, Tommy taught math and coached football and track. He was fortunate to have had many winning seasons and to have been apart of the 1973 Louisiana State Championship football team. Go Gators! In 1980, he was selected by Sandra McCalla to serve as assistant principal and in 1988 he was appointed Principal of Captain Shreve and served that position until 1994. During his time as Principal, the Engineering and Liberal Arts Magnet School was approved. Tommy was proud to have been inducted into the Captain Shreve Circle of Honor. After retiring from Caddo Parish, he continued his love of teaching at First Baptist Church School and later served as Chancellor.
Known to his family as 'Pop', Tommy loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He loved woodworking and fixing things for others. Tommy took care of his wife, Beth, until her death two months ago. They were soulmates and their love story continues on now in Heaven.
Tommy is proceeded in death by his parents, and his wife of 61 years, Beth Sanders Powell. He is survived by his son John Edwin Powell and wife Joanna, his daughters Amy Powell Huddleston and husband Jerry, and Jennifer Powell McCrary and husband Chris; his grandchildren Brooks Powell, Claire Powell, Lauren Huddleston Grayson and husband Colin, Emily Huddleston, Sarah Huddleston, Jack McCrary, Todd McCrary, and Abby McCrary; his great-grandson Jake Grayson; his brother Bill Powell and wife Freda; his brother-in-law Jim Sanders and wife Dicksey; and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to LaKesha Simpson, Linda Pennywell, Carolyn Martin, and Loraine Butler. The family requests that memorials be made to Captain Shreve High School in memory of Mr. Tommy Powell, former Principal, 6115 East Kings Hwy, Shreveport, LA, 71105.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the Faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing."
2 Timothy 4:7-8
Contributed on 9/3/23 by debbraszymanski
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Record #: 444379