Col. Jack H. Powell, USAF (Ret.)

Colonel Jack Henderson Powell, USAF (Ret.), 89, of Dawson passed peacefully from his earthly life Monday, January 16, 2023 at home surrounded with love and care. He was born in Worth County, Georgia on June 21, 1933 to Alexander Reppard and Judie Young Powell. He was raised in the Sumner/Sylvester community and held a deep love for this region of South Georgia all his life. Following high school, he attended ABAC, the University of Nebraska and Western New England University, where he earned his MBA. A lifelong student, he loved to learn and share his knowledge. He had a curious mind and was an avid conversationalist, both of which resulted in detailed and humorous storytelling and for his listeners, the gift of laughter and always leaving the conversation having learned something new. Col. Powell graduated from pilot training, received his wings and became a 2nd lieutenant in the United States Air Force on March 30, 1955. He spent 584 days on temporary duties and one year PCS in Vietnam where he flew hundreds of combat sorties. He was an instructional pilot and served in the Strategic Air Command for most of his career in the Air Force. He held the Bronze Star with valor, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with three Bronze Stars and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm. He also held the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge. Col. Powell was cited in the 1950s and 60s as the youngest aircraft commander, instructor pilot and Chief of a Standardization Division in the Strategic Air Command. After his Vietnam tour of duty, he was assigned to the Joint Chiefs of Staff National Military Command Center as its Senior Emergency Action Officer during President Nixon’s Watergate scandal and subsequent resignation and later, the U.S.’s withdrawal from Vietnam. After that assignment he attended Air War College and finished in the top 10% of his class. Upon graduation, he took over the B-52 wing at Robbins Air Force Base in Georgia. Rather than accepting assignment at the 89th at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington D.C. for Air Force One, Col. Powell retired in 1977 after 23.6 years of service and returned to Albany, GA where he farmed part time and taught in the Business School of Albany Junior College. He also was the director of the Small Business Development Center and was eventually hired by one of his clients to run Gray Air Service, a fixed base operation where he remained until the company was sold. Not yet ready to fully retire, he next took on the role of County Administrator for Worth County, remaining there until his retirement age of 65. Col Powell, his wife Kathy and their children established the Powell Plantation, where he farmed full time, a lifelong goal. He also served in several roles within the Southwest Georgia commission, Rotary Club, Kiwanis and Meals on Wheels over the years. He was also a member of the Terrell County Planning Commission for many years. Besides his parents, Col. Powell was predeceased by his loving wife of 61 years, Katherine Byrd Powell and by siblings, Hattie Mae, Rossiline, Walter and Hugh. Col. Powell is survived by his children, Doug Powell of Albany and Shay Powell Antoniades (Tony) of Marietta, GA; his six grandchildren, Kristen Powell Hill (Tyler), Autumn Trotter, William Antoniades, Andrew Antoniades, Phoebe Antoniades and Skylar Powell and three great grandchildren, Hayden Trotter, and Bradley and Banks Hill. He is also survived by his sister, Judy Sutton of Sumner, GA. By his family and friends, he will always be remembered for his generosity and kindness, his love for movies and animals and how he enjoyed his own jokes more than anyone. He was always there, always ready to help, always appreciative and always knowledgeable. A family man, he loved us well and was extremely proud of our accomplishments and supported and cared about our interests and talents. We are comforted by his faith in Jesus and rest in the truth that he is free from all physical restrictions placed on him by Parkinson’s and that we too, like him, have the hope of heaven. A celebration of life service will be held at 1pm at Sherwood Baptist Church chapel on Friday, January 20, 2023 (2201 Whispering Pines Road, Albany, Ga 31707). Visitation with the family will be from 12:00- 12:45 PM in the chapel before the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made in honor of Col. Powell to Wilson Hospice House at SupportPhoebe.org or to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at MichaelJFox.org/donate.

Col. Jack H. Powell, USAF (Ret.)

June 21, 1933 - January 16, 2023