HR45INTRODUCED
Page 0
HR45
HLWH668-1
By Representative Jackson
RFD:
First Read: 11-Feb-25
1
2
3
4
5 HLWH668-1 02/06/2025 NG (L)NG 2025-609
Page 1
First Read: 11-Feb-25
HR___ MOURNING THE DEATH AND CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF
REVEREND WILLIE POWELL.
WHEREAS, with an overwhelming sense of loss, we mourn
the death, yet celebrate the life, of Reverend Willie "Good
News" Powell, whose passing on January 23, 2025, at the age
of 79, has left a void in the lives of his loving family,
friends, and the community where he was highly regarded ; and
WHEREAS, Willie Powell was born January 25, 1945, to
Charlie and Nettie Ann Ransom Powell in the Cold Bluff
community; he was affectionately known as "Albert" among his
siblings; and
WHEREAS, he began his education in the Wilcox County
School System; he attended Cold Bluff Elementary School and
Yellow Bluff School; finally, he completed his secondary
education at Harper High School in Jackson, Alabama; and
WHEREAS, during his formative years, Willie was
reared on his family's farm; he spent countless hours
working in the fields, performing chores, cutting wood,
tending livestock, and accomplishing any other task that was
required of him; and
WHEREAS, in 1974, Willie relocated to Indianapolis
and started his first business, a landscaping company that
provided services to personal property owners and businesses
in the area; and
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28 HR45 INTRODUCED
Page 2
in the area; and
WHEREAS, after his venture in Indianapolis, Willie
returned to Alabama and owned and operated the Yellow Bluff
Grocery Store; Willie was able to establish connections
throughout the county and forge relationships that would
last a lifetime; some of these connections included the late
Reverend T.L. Threadgill, the late County Commissioner Bobby
Joe Johnson, and former County Commissioner Eddie Beverly;
it was these connections that helped spur Willie toward a
political career; and
WHEREAS, in 1982, Willie made history by becoming the
first African American Circuit Clerk to be elected in Wilcox
County; he served his county for 15 years and showed
unwavering dedication to its residents; and
WHEREAS, a true entrepreneur, Willie continued
seeking out business ventures; while serving as Circuit
Clerk in 1989, he purchased the Christian Memorial Funeral
Home; he would go on to purchase and operate several
Christian Memorial Funeral Homes throughout his community;
and
WHEREAS, one business venture that stood out was his
purchasing of the local radio station WYVC 102.3; it would
be here that he would earn the nickname "Good News" as he
provided entertainment and gospel programming to anyone who
would listen; and
WHEREAS, outside of his role in politics, Reverend
Powell was called to the ministry; his church home was Mt.
Gillard Baptist Church in Yellow Bluff; he is the former
pastor of Spiritual Power Church in Yellow Bluff, Lily
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56 HR45 INTRODUCED
Page 3
pastor of Spiritual Power Church in Yellow Bluff, Lily
Baptist Church in Annie Manie, and St. Mary's Church in
Darlington; his contributions and fundraising efforts helped
to rebuild Lily Baptist Church and St. Mary's Church; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Powell was preceded in death by his
parents; wife, Lena Mahan Powell; sons, Rodney Keith Powell
and Ronald Abrams; grandsons, Malcom Shymil Jones and
Gabriel Willie "Boomer" Quarles; son-in-law, Attorney Ty
Quarles; brothers, Lee Bony Powell, Houston James Powell,
Norah "Bo Bo" Powell, Sylvester Powell, James "Tim" Powell,
and Elbert "Sly" Powell; and sisters, Sadie Gipson, Mattie
B. Powell, Lucy Bell Hawkins, and Pastor Carrie Ann McCord;
and
WHEREAS, he will be lovingly remembered by his
spouse, Stephinie Dortch Powell; sons, Ricky Powell
(Talissa), Rickel Powell (Latanya), Tyrone Huff, and Adam
Kidd (Robin); daughters, Chandra Quarles, Donyale Love
(James), and Ashley Dortch (Daryl); 28 grandchildren; six
great-grandchildren; devoted granddaughter, Honorable Judge
Briana Westry; sisters, Ella Beckham and Lula McCellan; and
a host of other family, friends, and loved ones; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Powell leaves behind a legacy of
honor and service which will long endure the passage of time
and will remain as a comforting memory to all who were
privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man; now
therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, That the death of Reverend Willie
"Good News" Powell is recorded with deep sadness, and this
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84 HR45 INTRODUCED
Page 4
"Good News" Powell is recorded with deep sadness, and this
resolution is offered in tribute to his life and service to
others, along with heartfelt sympathy to his family, whose
grief is shared by many.
85
86
87