Bryan Erwin Powell

April 15, 1956 — August 12, 2018

6For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8From now on the crown of righteousness is laid up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.…

THE LIFE & TIMES OF BRYAN E. POWELL

On April 15, 1956 in Detroit, Michigan, Marion L. Powell and Bertha M. Simpson Powell welcomed the birth of a son, Bryan Erwin Powell. When Bryan was a year old, the family moved to Compton, California and later Los Angeles where he completed Jr. High School. Bryan, the youngest of three children, was a quiet, but lively child. In 1967 the family relocated to Detroit and lived on Littlefield Street where he grew up. Equally balanced in both academics and athletics, Bryan excelled as a student and showed tremendous talent, especially in football. He busied himself building lasting friendships with other students, faculty and staff and was by far one of the most popular students to walk the halls of Mumford High School. He graduated from Mumford High School in 1974.

After graduation, Bryan attended Texas A&M University where he played college football and earned his Bachelors of Science. Like many young black men who lived in the “Motor City”, he landed his first job at General Motors where he spent his days speeding around as a Test Driver. On May 8, 1986, ready for a new adventure, Bryan enlisted in the Unites States Navy. He completed course work at the Naval Technical Training Center in Meridian, Mississippi. He was the recipient of the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, as well as several medals and commendations. He served as Cargo Hold Five Level Three Supervisor and Flight Deck Staging Crew Forktruck Driver on board the USS San Diego (AFS 6). In 1990 he was appointed Storekeeper Third Class. Bryan consistently performed his duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. The “can-do” attitude he displayed during stressful situations resulted in flawless execution of all assigned missions. His zealous work habits and meticulous attention to details were instrumental in his success throughout life.

After his service to the Country, he moved to Texarkana, Arkansas to be close to his mother. He sustained a long career in mental health and social services, which spanned more than 20 years. He worked for the Southwest Arkansas Counseling and Mental Health Center, Horizons of Hope and Rainbow of Challenges. Over the years he held many positions including: Direct Support Professional, Assistant Physics Director and Corporate Compliance Officer. His unfailing commitment and loyalty to mental health set a high standard for others in the industry to follow.

On August 17, 2014, he united with Garrett Chapel Baptist Church where he served as a trustee, a member of the male chorus, Assistant Director of the Children’s Church ministry and the Evangelism team. Bryan was fun-loving and a natural born “prankster”. He was health conscience and could be found at the local gym 2-3 times per week. He loved sports and rooting for his favorite team, the Los Angeles Raiders (Raider Nation Baby). He enjoyed the smooth sounds of reggae and jazz music.

In 2015, Bryan reconnected with the beautiful and gifted Rosalind Reed, a friend he had first met 30 years earlier, and the two fell in love and married on October 5, 2015. Their blended family included six children and seven grandchildren. Together they ministered as co-laborers, edifying the body of Christ.

Bryan was diagnosed with Stage 4 Prostate Cancer and fought a good and valiant fight for more than a year. He passed from this life on Sunday, August 12, 2018 with his wife and extended family by his side. Victory at last. He is preceded in death by his parents, Marion L. and Bertha M. Simpson Powell; a brother, Reginald L. McCarey and a niece, Aneesah D. Akbar.

He leaves fond memories with his wife, Rosalind Reed Powell; his son, Devonte’ T. Harris of Oklahoma City, OK; his bonus children, Salathia (Quincy) Brittian of Fairburn, GA, Amber Reed and her fiancé’ Dorrell Bunch of Atlanta, GA, Aaron Reed of Stone Mountain, GA, Joshua Gardner of Stone Mountain, GA and Jada Reed of Stone Mountain, GA; a sister, Elyria Powell-Akbar of Gilbert, AZ; seven grandchildren, Derrick Cook, Jr., James “Cam” Williams, Bailey Brittian, Elijah Gardner, Nova Reed, Willie Campbell, Jr., and Adrian D. Harris; and one uncle, Alvin Powell of Cleveland Heights, OH. He also leaves a host of cousins in California, Texas, Michigan and Florida, other relatives, cherished friends and the Garrett Chapel Baptist Church family.

Services to celebrate his life will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at Garrett Chapel Baptist Church, 102 S. Ferguson Street, Hope, Arkansas with Rev. Douglas Jones, officiating. Interment will follow at Cave Hill Cemetery #2 in Hope, Arkansas with full Naval Honors. Public visitation will be on Friday, August 17, 2018 at Garrett Chapel from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The family will receive friends 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Bryan Erwin Powell, please visit our flower store.

Send a Card

Service Schedule

Past Services

Family Gathering

Friday, August 17, 2018

6:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)

Garrett Chapel Baptist Church

102 S Ferguson St, Hope, AR 71801

Get Directions Plant Trees

Celebration of Life

Saturday, August 18, 2018

Starts at 12:00 pm (Central time)