Russell E. Powell, Jr. (1SG, U.S. Army, Ret.)

1SG Russell E. Powell, Jr. (U.S. Army, Retired), 74, of Hinesville, GA passed away on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at home surrounded by his family. 

He was born in Huntington, West Virginia on October 29th, 1947 to parents Russell Elliott Powell Sr. and Ruth Irene Parsley. Though born in West Virginia, he grew up in Columbus, Ohio. He graduated from Whetstone High School in 1967, and then joined the United States Army. He served 27 years in the infantry as an indirect fire crewman and NCO. He married his sweetheart, Cathy, in 1968 and together they were stationed at military bases in Kansas, Georgia, South Carolina, Louisiana, Pennsylvania and Texas before retiring in Hinesville in 1996. Russell completed tours in Germany, Korea, and Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. During his career he received many awards and decorations, including the Drill Sergeant and Path Finder badges.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Terry Powell. He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Cathy Powell; their two children Lance Powell (Mari) and Laura Powell; their grandchildren Lindsay Miller (David), Kailey Rogers (Chase), Morgan Cooper (Hunter), Cole Powell, Kapra Powell, Saki Powell, and Kai Powell; and their great grandchildren Riley Rogers, Reid Rogers, and Jack Miller. He is also survived by his brothers, Jerry Powell and Bruce Powell, and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Russell was a man of service and loyalty. He knew no strangers and had an immensely generous heart. He appreciated the simple pleasures in life and was a wonderful chef and baker. He loved teaching his family about the outdoors and pulling the occasional prank on them. He was an active member of Southeast Georgia blacksmith guild and Brigadier General Robert H. Anderson, Camp 1919, and the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

He was taken too soon, but left behind a legacy of laughter and love that will never be forgotten.

Visitation will be from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8 at Carter Funeral Home Oglethorpe Chapel. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 9 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 220 Sandy Run Drive, Hinesville, GA 31313 with Bishop John Mahoney officiating. Burial with Full Military Honors will follow at 1:00 p.m. in Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 8819 US-301 Glenville, GA 30427.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of GHC Hospice, particularly Jerri, Darleen, and Kendall for their tender loving care of Russ and the entire family.

Memorial donations in his name may be made to GHC Hospice, P.O. Box 15665, Savannah, GA 31416.

Carter Funeral Home Oglethorpe Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. To share a memory or leave a condolence, please visit www.carteroglethorpe.com.