T.J. “Sonny” Powell
August 29, 1944 – January 7, 2025
T.J. “Sonny” Powell, age 80, of Ash Flat, passed from this life on Jan. 7, 2025, at Ash Flat. Sonny was born to Lee Powell and Meda (Marshall) Powell on Aug. 29, 1944, in Williford.
Sonny was united in marriage to Leona Jane Langley on Nov. 22, 1986, in Hardy. He served as Sheriff of Sharp County from 1981 through 2002. He was a member and past president of the Arkansas Sheriffs Boys and Girls Ranch, member and Worshipful Master of the Wilson Masonic Lodge #432 of Hardy, member and past president of the Cherokee Village Kiwanis, and past president of the Arkansas Sheriff’s Association. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend. He was of the Baptist faith.
Sonny is survived by wife: Jane Powell of Ash Flat; two sons: Tom Powell (Charlie) of Jonesboro and David Pierson (Mitzi) of Melbourne; daughter: Kathy Adams (Bruce) of Melbourne; seven grandchildren: Kaylee King (Preston), Dylan Smith, Allyson Smith, Hannah Powell, Macey Powell, Jude Byerly and Kara Hampton; two great-grandchildren: Mary Kathryn and Clay Preston King; many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters: Emily Sawyer, Glenda Ervin, and Jean Lindsey.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at Wortham Funeral Home in Hardy with Bro. John Deaton officiating. Visitation will be 11 a.m. until time of service.
Interment will be in the Baker Cemetery in Ozark Acres. Pallbearers are Dennis Burton, Kevin Burton, Tim McComas, James Bragg, Stan Haney and James Duncan. Honorary Pallbearers are Joe Stidman, Dale Weaver, Larry Brown, Larry Tolbert, Gene Moore, Jack Yancey and Jeremy Roland.
Memorials may be made to the Calvary Baptist Church Building Fund in Ash Flat. Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home in Salem.
