SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 217
In Memory
of
Paul W. Powell
WHEREAS, The life of an esteemed spiritual leader drew to a
close with the passing of the Reverend Paul W. Powell on December
28, 2016, at the age of 83; and
WHEREAS, Paul Powell was born on December 6, 1933, and grew
up in East Texas; called to the ministry at the age of 17, he
earned degrees from Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist
Theological Seminary and went on to preach at churches in
Belfalls, Troy, Taylor, and San Marcos; in 1972, he assumed the
pulpit at Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, where he guided
the congregation for nearly two decades; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, Reverend Powell held a number of
offices with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, including a
term as president from 1985 to 1987, and he also served as
president and chief executive officer of the Southern Baptist
Convention Annuity Board; he subsequently accepted a position as
dean of the George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor
University, which more than doubled its enrollment and saw its
endowment grow to more than $38 million during his six-year
tenure; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Powell's many achievements and contributions
were recognized with Distinguished Alumnus accolades from Baylor
University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and
with honorary degrees from Baylor, East Texas Baptist University,
Campbell University, Dallas Baptist University, and the University
of Mary Hardin-Baylor; he also received Baylor's Herbert H.
Reynolds Award; and
WHEREAS, Additionally, Reverend Powell authored 36 books,
and he gave generously of his time and talents to the boards of
Southside Bank, the Robert M. Rogers Foundation, and Mother
Frances Hospital in Tyler; he also enjoyed playing softball and
basketball on church teams; and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, he enjoyed the love and
support of his wife, Cathy, and he took tremendous pride in their
three children, Kent, Mike, and Lori, and their grandchildren,
Jordan, Katie, and Matthew; and
WHEREAS, Paul Powell truly exemplified the highest standards
of his vocation, and he leaves behind a legacy of good works that
will long be remembered; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the memory of the Reverend
Paul W. Powell and extend sincere condolences to his family and
friends; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do
so in memory of the Reverend Paul W. Powell.
Hughes
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 21, 2017,
by a rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate