Dennis Edward Powell, age 71, passed away on July 28, 2024, at 4:05 pm. He was born August 5, 1952, to the two greatest parents, Virgil Powell and Faye Powell, of Newark, AR. He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife, Karen “Kay” Powell of the home. She is the one who gave him the strength to live his last few years. He is also survived by his brother, Jerry Powell and wife, Tomagene, of Pleasant Plains; his niece and great-niece, Genie Moore and Dani Lynn Moore; his nephew and great-nephews, Michael Powell and Seth Powell; Several cousins, and a host of friends.
Dennis was most proud of his military service. Enlisting in the Arkansas National Guard in 1971, He was chosen to go on the Active Guard Reserve Program in 1984, retiring at Sergeant First Class in 2004. His awards included the Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Award), Army Commendation Medal (4th Award), Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award), Non-Commissioned Officer’s Development Program Medal (Numeral 2), Army Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (2nd Award), Armed Forces Reserve Medal (2nd Award), Army Service Ribbon, and the Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon. He was most proud to have been once chosen as the Active Guard Reserve Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year for the 39th Infantry Brigade.
Dennis loved to hunt and fish. The hunting later in life was done as a member of the Round House Hunting Club. He preferred to be with Don Carter, Tony Carter, Preston Jones, and Dan Conrad. His early fishing years were with Roy Goodman and Dennis Satterfield. In the 80’s he made a new fishing companion, Bobby Taskey. They had many great trips together. In 2010, he was reunited with his cousin, Charlie Stroud. This started an annual trip on Greers Ferry Lake with the Arkansas Indiana Guys. Gary Broyles was the first addition, later joined by Terry Finley.
Dennis lived a wonderful life and had more friends than most people. His only regret was not telling them all how much he loved and appreciated them. His final wish was to hope everyone knew Christ as their savior.
Services are entrusted to Willis Funeral Service of Batesville. Westside First Baptist Church in Greers Ferry, AR will host the services on Saturday, August 3, 2024. There will be a time of visitation from 1 PM until 2 PM. The Memorial Service, officiated by Bro. Doug Inzer, will begin at 2 PM. The family would like to recognize the following people as honorary pallbearers, Major General John Stubbs, Major General (Retired) Kendall Penn, Major General (Retired) Don Morrow, Colonel (Retired) Chad Bridges, Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Larry Isbell, Master Sergeant (Retired) Jerome P. George, Bobby Taskey, Charlie Stroud, Jerry Powell, Rick Moss, and the “Interlochen Mafia”.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any military organization of choice or the Greers Ferry Ambulance/Fire Fund.
