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In Memory Of Our Poets

Barney Ray Powell - Class Of 1964

Barney Ray Powell, 78, a resident of Dothan, passed away Wednesday at Southeast Health.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Glover Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Geoff Henson officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10:30 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. on Saturday before service time. Burial will follow in Memory Hill Cemetery with Glover Funeral Home directing.

Barney Powell was born in Montgomery, Alabama to Barney Raiford and Donna Marjorie Ferguson Powell. He grew up in Montgomery and graduated from Sidney Lanier High School in 1964. In high school, he sang in the Glee Club and performed in many musical events, singing in plays at the Montgomery Little Theater and local coffee houses. He traveled with Up With People when it first started, a non-profit organization that empowers young people through song and dance performances, promoting themes such as multiculturalism, racial equality, and positive thinking. He was known for his wonderful rich Baritone voice.

He continued singing all of his life and often sang gospel songs in churches. His mother was his number one fan and he would always sing for her when visiting her church, Hunter Station Baptist Church in Montgomery, where she was a founding member. He sang for her until she died and then gave a final performance at her funeral. And like his mother, Barney was of the Baptist faith.

Barney served in the Air Force in London, England from 1965 to 1967. After service, he returned to Montgomery and took a position with the Mercantile Paper Company, one of the largest office suppliers in central Alabama. During this time, he also volunteered with the Montgomery Mental Health Association.

On a business trip to Dothan in May of 1975, he met Barbara Sue Miller, a daughter of John and Lucy Miller of Dothan, and fell head-over-heels for the love of his life. They were married on October 25, 1975, and took up residence in Dothan.

Barney left the paper company for a position with Hudson Office Supply where he worked for four years before moving to Comcast Cable. He spent the next twenty-eight years with Comcast as head of their warehouse in Dothan before retiring.

Music was central to Barney’s life, but he also loved videography and always had his camera with him and ready to record wherever he went. He loved shopping at yard sales and watching America's Got Talent, something he shared with his daughter, Tracy. He was known to enjoy Chocolate Chip cookies, ice cream, and watching Alabama football - and his favorite was all three simultaneously.

Barney was predeceased by his wife, Barbara Sue Miller Powell, and his parents. He is survived by a daughter, Tracy Powell of Dothan; three sisters, Marie Powell (Gordon) of Tiger, GA, Jane Brown (Jerry) of Montgomery, and Bonni McConnell (Jeff) of Montgomery; four grandchildren, William, Justin, Kate, and Sawyer; multiple nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews; and a son, Mark Powell (Priscilla) of Dothan.

The family wishes to thank some special people for their love and support: Wayne and Eva Grace, Albert Holloway, the Staff of Extendicare, and Ashley Ridleigh with SARCOA.

Pallbearers are John Cole, Jeff McConnell, Joseph McConnell, Justin Powell, Jerry Brown, and Demetrius Bennet.

Honorary Pallbearers are Albert Holloway and Wayne Grace.

Flowers are being accepted or memorials may be made to the Wiregrass Humane Society in Dothan. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com

https://www.gloverfuneral.com/memorials/barney-powell/5375694/index.php