of Little Rock, AR
July 11, 1943 - January 9, 2021
Gary Richard Powell, 77, passed away Saturday morning, January 9 at Parkway Village Health Center in Little Rock, Gary was born July 11, 1943, at Berryville, Arkansas, the only son of Eugene and Valence (Dodson) Powell.
Upon graduation from Green Forest High School, he attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville attaining a degree in Animal Husbandry. While at the University he was a member of Army ROTC on campus. After graduation Gary entered active duty in the United States Army, graduating from Airborne School as a distinguished graduate at the Student Brigade (Airborne) Fort Benning, Georgia, he was inducted into a Military Police Company headquartered at Killeen Base, Killeen, Texas.
After military duty, he returned to Green Forest to join his father ''Gene'' in the Powell Feed Mill business which had been founded and was flourishing due to his father's entrepreneurial spirit. Being young and restless, Gary left after two short years, leaving his roots for the last time. Choosing the right path for himself was the beginning of creating a trail of success for himself and many others. He moved to Dallas, Texas and began work for the Van Heusen Shirt Company where he was rookie of the year and later salesman of the year. Upon receiving early honors, Gary had to decided which road he would take again.
He chose to return to his home state in the Little Rock area where many of his Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity brothers resided. They proved to continue to be great friends. He was employed by Haggar Slack Company and was named salesman of the year and rewarded with their major account which was Dillard's Department Stores.
The year 1994 was a pivotal year in Gary's life. He moved to Pensacola Beach Florida to follow his passion for real estate investing. He and a friend soon became co-owners of the local beach Boardwalk mall, which to this day includes the ever-popular Hemingway's Restaurant. A few years later, he along with business partners moved forward and broke ground for the now completed group of high-rise condominiums known as Portofino. Meanwhile, Gary had become a warm climate enthusiast and enjoy a home and properties in Costa Rica.
In 2000, he married his longtime sweetheart, Peggy Blann of Little Rock. Gary was known as a lifetime generous giver with a gentle quiet demeanor and warm sincere smile.
Survivors include his sister, Tori Dale and her husband, Larry of Harrison; two nephews, Powell McKinney of Bentonville, and Todd McKinney of Siloam Springs, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Valence Powell; his grandparents, Jessie and Una Powell and James and Victoria Dodson.
The family would like to express our sincere appreciation to his friends and caregivers at Parkway Village and a very special thank you to Peggy Blann Powell who brought joy to his life and remained a loyal and devoted friend through his final days.
Gary and been involved in ministry through Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock, various ministries in Pensacola Beach, FL and for 25 years as an advisor and supporter of Love Truth Care Ministries, serving the poor and needy of Central Arkansas and Honduras.
Memorial can be made in his name to: Love Truth Care Ministries, P.O. Box 164660, Little Rock, AR 72216. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will not be any services. Arrangements by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home.
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17 Condolence(s)
Kimberly
Saturday, January 28, 2023
Godspeed dear Gary. Prayers for all
Deborah H Norman
Tuesday, March 30, 2021
I knew Gary in the 1970's when he worked for Hagar Slacks. He was dating a girl named Lisa Crump when my husband John and I met him. He then married Kacki Hockersmith. The 70's were a crazy time and Gary enjoyed every moment! I have fun fond memories. I ran into him again at Parkway Village while visiting a friend. That was a special day.
Cathy Fetzek
Monday, January 18, 2021
I was fortunate enough to not only meet Gary, but work for him many years ago. Gary was smart, compassionate, generous, principled, warm and the list goes on and on. Gary had such a profound effect on me, he truly was my mentor, setting the guidelines that would pave the way in my business endeavors throughout life.
I will never forget you, Gary; you will always have a place in my heart.
Jane Christenson
Sunday, January 17, 2021
My daughter Jennifer and I remember Gary in a dashing red blazer sitting at Cajuns at an event prior to the opening of The Clinton Library. We still talk about it... he was so handsome. Tori, you have been the best sister anyone could ever have.
Bob Edis
Sunday, January 17, 2021
It is with great sadness to hear of Gary’s passing. Gary and I worked at Haggar in the 70’s and 80’s. It was during our semi annual sales meetings that I got to know Gary. He was a real Gentleman and a truly nice person. My condolences to his family and friends. I’m sure he will be missed by many people.
Larry Cargile
Friday, January 15, 2021
Always thought I was a pretty good water skier until I saw Gary ski up to the boat dock on a boat paddle. Many were the good times that I hope you are enjoying once again. Rest In Peace old friend.
Tongal Humphrey
Friday, January 15, 2021
I meet Mr.Powell at Parkway Village, I work in dining room were i was a sever. Mr. Powell love his sundae.He would have the biggest smile when i bring it and give me thumbs up. My deepest condolences to the Powell Family and MS.DALE his sister. May you find comfort in god and knowing he is at peace now. He will be miss but not forgotten .
Linda Strickland
Thursday, January 14, 2021
Our Condolences to the Powell family and friends. I met Gary through my brother, Bill Kyzer. They were fraternity brothers and during Bill’s last days Gary was a very quiet presence in our lives. He and Peggy and many of their mutual friends and fraternity brothers were there for us when we needed anything. I’m sorry that this pandemic made it impossible for Gary to have the same level of attendance and care from his friends. God allowed Gary to bless many lives while he was here and I know God is blessing him as he is in his hands.
Ted H. Sanders
Thursday, January 14, 2021
Gary was one of my best friends in college. Also, we played basketball against each other in high school. All of our Pike brothers will miss him. I would like to express my sympathy to his family.
Sally McKinney Hensley
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
Condolences to his family. I have many fond memories of Gary.
Juddy & Barbara Tolson
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
We had fun times and laughs with Gary and Peggy. Thankful for the memories, Gary was a good man, may he Rest In Peace! Our heartfelt condolences, Juddy and Barbara.
Jenna White
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
I will always remember Gary as my "Uncle Gary" as he was married to my Aunt Peg for many years. Gary was a kind, humble and generous person and always had a way of making the people around him feel special. Some of the best days of my life were spent with he and my Aunt Peg at their condo in Pensacola and in their house, El Pelicano, down in Costa Rica. Gary knew how to have a good time and how to bless others through the blessings he himself received. He deserved more time with those he loved and a better ending to his earthly story but I know he is now at peace and walking with the Father.
Merrill K Bishop
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
My condolences to the family.
Herschel Bowman
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
Really have some great memories with Gary over the years - remember spending time with Gary and green forest and seeing their huge turkey farm. Gary taught me how to ski backwards on Tuesdays and also backwards on the slalom. I remember him as a good Christian and a great friend peace to Gary
Sherryl and Bill Miller
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
We met Gary through Peggy. All our children of Peggy's siblings thought he was Prince Charming and Peggy was the beautiful Princess. That was an accurate description. We remember once having friends from out of town visit and we took them down town Little Rock to eat. Both our friends were successful, held high profile positions, and were certainly not easily impressed. They also had never met Peggy or Gary. Suddenly, we heard them say in unison, "Wow." We looked up and saw Peggy and Gary, both dressed in white, walking down the street. "Wow" was right. They were absolutely stunning, the perfect picture of Prince Charming and his Princess. (How many men other than Gary could carry off a white suit)
While we always refused his offers of expense paid trips and free use of condos and vacation homes, we knew they were offered from true generosity. Gary and Peggy sent Mother a check every month during her two year illness to cover medicine insurance would not cover. Through the years, we also heard of his generosity to others. We heard from others, not Gary. In his true nature, he never mentioned the gifts he had made or help he had given.
Life brings trials and blessings to all of us. In addition to a gift of generosity, Gary's blessings included abundant charm, intelligence, vision, lifelong friends, and the unwavering love of a beautiful and gifted woman. One of our blessings was knowing him.
Terry Blann Allgood
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
Gary was a generous, kind, and loving man. I am so proud that he was part of our family. We have many good memories of Gary that we will cherish always. He always was warm and welcoming , He had a smile to share, and a word of wisdom on most occasions.
He was a great visionary and proved that we can accomplish much if we can remain calm, work through adversity and be open to change. He was an encouragement to others and reached out to those in need. He shared his faith in personal communication and by example. He believed in sharing what he had acquired with those he loved and with those less fortunate.
These last years haven't been the kindest to him. I know now that he is in the presence of Christ and because of that, he will be safe from here.
I will miss him . I am so sorry for the loss for my sister Peggy and for his family.
May God bless you all.
Charlotte Powell
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
My sincerest sympathies to you all in Gary's passing. I just hate what this pandemic has done to our residents/ families not being able to be together during these sad times. I loved reading about Gary's life and so honored to be there those last days. May God comfort your hearts.