William E. Powell Major
January 17, 1940 ~ May 23, 2017
Born in:
Raleigh, NC
Resided in:
Lawrenceville, GA
Major William E. Powell was born in Raleigh, NC on January 17, 1940 to officer parents William T. and Catherine M. Powell. William was Promoted to Glory on May 23, 2017.
William was converted at the age of 7, recognizing Christ as his personal Savior. As a young person, he was very active in the corps as a Sunday School teacher, Songster leader, Bandsman (playing euphonium and trombone), and many other activities. After graduating from high school in 1957, he attended Georgia Tech for one year and then transferred to the University of Miami, where he graduated in 1963 with a Bachelor of Music degree. He felt called to officership, stating that "I have tried to reflect Christ in my own life so that by association with others, the effect of my life on them will result in their ultimate acceptance of Christ as their own personal Savior."
On March 31, 1964, he married Evelyn Klaas. In 1967, they entered the School for Officers Training as part of "The Evangelists" session. In 1968, they were sent out as Cadet Lieutenants to the Norfolk, VA corps, then later that year to Richmond, VA, Dunstan Citadel. They served in corps appointments in Tulsa, OK, Ponca City, OK, Prince Georges, MD, and Richmond, VA, followed by Area Command appointments in Miami, FL and Nashville, TN. They began their work in Adult Rehabilitation Centers in Houston, TX, Oklahoma City, OK, Atlanta, GA, San Antonio, TX, and Charlotte, NC, where they impacted the lives of hundreds of men. After over 37 years of active service, they retired on August 1, 2005 in Lawrenceville, GA.
Major Powell is survived by Evelyn, his loving wife of over 53 years, and by his sister Janice (Marty) Smith. He is also survived by many family members and friends.
Major Powell made a lasting impression on everyone he met, and he will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to Christ, his boisterous, larger-than-life personality, and his heart for others.
Visitation with family and friends will be held on Monday, June 5, 2017, from 9:00 AM until 9:45 AM in the Fireside Room of The Salvation Army - Atlanta Temple. The Celebration of Life Service will begin at 10:00 AM, on the same day, at The Salvation Army - Atlanta Temple, 2090 N. Druid Hills Rd., NE, Atlanta, GA 30329. Interment will follow at Westview Cemetery in Atlanta.
Wages & Sons Gwinnett Chapel, 1031 Lawrenceville Hwy., Lawrenceville, GA 30046. 770-277-4550
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
My father taught me from a very early age that who you are as a person is largely a product of the people along the way that touch your life in some meaningful way. There are very few people that have had as significant of an impact on my life as Bill. From my time as a Junior Soldier and Corps Cadet in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to working side by side with him in Miami, I was always very much aware, and greatly appreciative, that he made a point to be actively involved with me and the direction of my life. He genuinely cared and it was readily evident in his actions, his mentoring and his friendship for all these years. I love Bill more than words can covey and will sorely miss him. But more importantly, I celebrate his life and thank God that he allowed our paths to cross those many years ago. Rest in peace dear, dear friend. You will never be forgotten and I look forward to reuniting somewhere down the line.
I knew Bill from the ARC in atlanta where I was employed and formed a lasting friendship with him. I loved the Powell’s and Bill’s memory will always be a part of me.
So sorry to hear the news of Major Powell in May of this year.I was a participant in the early nineties at the Salvation Army Rehabilitation Center under the guidance of Major Powell.When I went in I didn’t know what to expect.And Major Powell made my stay there fun.Even though I entered to try and put my life together,and recover from alcohol abuse.I made the best of it and turned my life around.I stayed there for over a year.And even was offered the opportunity to drive for the donation center pick up service.Saved my money and was finally able to get a place of my own.It was a struggle rebuilding my life and relationships.But because of the help I received and with the help I received from Major Powell.I was able to achieve my goals.Major Powell was real funny when he wanted to be.But he was also a very up front and in your face kinda person.That would keep you laughing in spite of your circumstances.We also shared the gift of music ( piano ) that we both enjoyed.Sorry to hear the news of Major Powell.May he rest in peace.
Major Powell made a lasting impression on me through out the years, and I will never forget the positive influence he had on me. Although it took me awhile to realize this, and finally get my life turned around. His words and inspirations will be sorely missed.. I live in Tennessee now and doing well. I think of him and Mrs. Powell often. My sympathy goes out to his family and friends, and I believe he is with the Lord now and one day I will see him again. May God Bless you all in this life and the life to come.