Richard "Ricky" Warren Popwell, 75, passed away peacefully on March 7th, 2025. Rick was born on July 29th, 1950, to Erskine and Geneva Popwell. He was a beloved husband, father, friend, and for the last twenty-two years, he was best known as "Papa."
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Karen Wallace Popwell, his children Denise (Cain) Young, Allison (Jason) Barnett, and Michael (DeeDee) Popwell, brother Jimmy (Marie)Popwell and his sister Linda Chandler, his grandchildren Molly Young, Luke Young, Ellen Barnett, Mary Grace Young, Callie Barnett, Ethan Popwell, Maggie Young, Collier Barnett, Bryce Popwell and Marlee Young, along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Erskine and Geneva, and his brother, Don Popwell.
Originally from Clanton, he grew up in Montgomery and graduated from Sidney Lanier High School. Most of his career has been in sales in Montgomery. He was a resident of Millbrook for over 50 years and served on the Elmore County Juvenile Court system for several years.
Among his hobbies was an affinity for older race cars, fishing in many areas within Alabama, spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, cooking for his family on special occasions, and holiday gatherings. He enjoyed taking his grandchildren fishing, on four-wheeler rides, and on trips to the Bass Pro Shops. His children and grandchildren were the light of his life. He loved to tell anyone who would listen how proud he was of them. You could always find him at his grandchildren's dance recitals, plays, sporting events, and awards ceremonies. There was rarely an occasion he missed.
He was gentle and kind. He quietly did for others and never asked for anything in return. His family and friends will dearly miss him.
The family will receive friends for visitation on Thursday, March 12th, 2026, from 5–7 P.M. at Brookside Funeral Home in Millbrook. The memorial service is Friday, March 13th, 2026, at 2 P.M. at Vaughn Park Church of Christ in Montgomery.
In place of flowers, make donations to The Cancer Wellness Foundation of Central Alabama or the National MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Society in honor of Rick.
Brookside Funeral Home, Crematorium & Memorial Gardens of Millbrook, AL, is directing.
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