A native of Pickens County, son of the late Vance Belton and Pearl McCall Powell, he was a retired textile employee and a retired security guard for Fouke Fir Company, worked for the S.C. Department of Corrections and an ordained Southern Baptist Minister. Rev. Powell was a member of Riverside Baptist Church and a former Golden Glove Heavy Weight Boxing Champion.

Surviving are two daughters, Joan Brown of Greer and Linda Hyder of Campobello; a sister, Zettie Bledsoe of Dun-can; a daughter-in-law; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and special caregivers, Donna Nixon, Janice Hammond, Connie Hyder, Linda Thompson and Brenda Maser.

Rev. Powell was predeceased by two sons, Larry Harrison Powell and Carl Vance Powell.

Funeral services were held 3 p.m. Sunday, April 20, 2008 at Riverside Baptist Church, conducted by Rev. Marcus Buckley. Burial followed in Wood Memorial Park.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.thewoodmortuary.com.

The Wood Mortuary of Greer, is in charge of arrangements.