Robert Powell Obituary in Spartanburg at J.W. Woodward Funeral Home

Obituary For Robert Powell

Robert Ervin Powell, 74, a long time resident of Chesnee, South Carolina, went into eternal rest
Friday, January 26, 2024 in Spartanburg, South Carolina Born May 10, 1949, he was the son of the late George Washington Powell Sr and Rosa Nell
Powell.

In 1973 he married the late Carolyn Powell from Chesnee, SC, and later remarried to Dorothea
Lane-Powell of Stamford, CT in 2019. He leaves behind four children, Kenneth Powell of
Chesnee, SC, Melinda Lane of Lawrenceville, GA, Belinda Lane-Hinton (Daniel) of China
Grove, NC ; Taneesha Powell of Stratford, CT. Three brothers Jodell Powell, Sr. (Dorothy) and
Willis Powell (Etta) all of CT, Ulysses Powell , Sr (Barbara). of AL; three sisters, Hurlda Andrews
(James), Pollye Stovall, Rosanna Wilson (Sammie) all of CT.; thirteen grandchildren and eight
great-grands. And a host of nephews and nieces.
Robert, known to everyone as Bob, grew up in the Jim Crow era in Camden, Alabama. Bob
knew he wanted to have a different life and lifestyle.
Robert felt, to truly advance you needed to be educated as well. So Robert attended a host of
colleges; Miles College (Bessemer, AL.), University of Bridgeport (Bridgeport, CT.) obtaining an
associates in business administration and a bachelors in civil engineering.

Obtaining an education and loving Christ was important in the Powell home. Just as important to
Robert was being a civil rights activist. While attending Camden Academy, Bob was afforded
the opportunity to meet one of his legends, the honorable Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It was from
that point on in life he would devote himself to fighting against discrimination and segregation.
If you knew Robert, you heard the stories of fighting for change, running for his life or more
importantly the tragic day of the Edmund Pettus Bridge also known as “Bloody Sunday” on
March 07, 1965.

In 1969 after relocating to Atlantic City, Bob was hired as a short order cook. From there, he
began his lifelong career at Barnes Engineering in Danbury, CT where he retired after 35 years
- becoming the first black Director of engineering, in a predominant Caucasian field during that
time.

Robert loved his classic automobiles, spending hours putting work into them and entering them
into multiple competitions Through all Robert endeavored he kept the faith and never gave up on God. He would constantly mention the story of almost losing his life to partying and asking God to save him and He did just that.
Bob spent most of his adult life on the road - Between Connectut, South Carolina and Alabama
visiting family, friends. He even experienced some international travels, including Japan and Paris. Finally retiring to Chesnee in 2009. Later, Robert loved traveling with his Apostle and
Leadership team of Refuge of Hope Apostolic Church, Incorporated were He served as a Deacon.
Robert is preceded in death by, his three brothers George Washington Powell, Jr., Sebron
Powell and James Powell; and one son Reginald Powell.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at The John Stinson Woodward Memorial Chapel, 602 Howard St., Spartanburg, SC.

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I worked with Bob for over 30 years. He was a very good man and a very good friend. We both kept in touch with occasional phone calls and emails after retirement. This was a loss to all who knew him, May he Rest In Peace.

Sharing Your Sorrow Let the people say Amen to a great man of God, Mr. Robert Powell a true friend the ambassador for voting rights and voting right marches, a crusader for the battle of Justice and equality. So let the people who he touch with kindness say Amen! Hallelujah
From Al Lawson & Family

Our sincerest condolences, SIP Bob The Mendenhall's

My Sincere Condolences to the Family of Robert Powell. May the Love and Peace of God comfort and keep you all in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth Amen 🙏 Much Love, Apostle Patricia S Clark Fruit Of The Spirit Ministries LFC Inc. Gaffney, SC 💚⚘️

My Sincere Condolences to the Family of Robert Powell. May the Love and Peace of God comfort and keep you all in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth Amen 🙏💚⚘️

Sending our hearts felt sympathy to the Powell family. Me and my brother Harrison spent a lot of time driving down south together with Robert, we had some good times together. He will be missed dearly. Thaddeus and Thelma Adams

Sending our most heartfelt sympathy to our brother in law, Ulysses K. Powell, Sr., and the Powell family. With Love, Kenneth B. and Delois Hatcher Jackson and family.

I acknowledge a uncle has moved on with the lord rest in peace. Your loved and will always be missed.

With sincere sympathy to the family.

I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of an old co-worker, a talented stylist who was loved by all. Robert's presence will truly be missed. May his creativity and passion for his craft continue to inspire those who are fortunate enough to know him. I am sending my deepest condolences. Love you Robert

Uncle Robert was very special to me and my brothers. He will be greatly missed.
Ed Fernanders and family

Sending my prayers and heartfelt condolences to my family during this difficult time. Gone too, soon but never forgotten, Love your great nephew Tequan.

You are loved beyond this life into the next - RoRo

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

J.W. Woodward Funeral Home | Spartanburg, SC