Born in Phenix City, AL on December 22, 1958, Mr. Powell was the son of Mr. Willie Edgar Powell, Sr. of Columbus, and the late Mrs. Annie Lester Copeland Powell. He was a 1977 graduate of the George W. Carver High School. A well known and respected entrepreneur in the City of Columbus, Mr. Powell was the owner of the Victory Drive Plaza, which consisted of the Huddle House, Occasions Event Center and Lavoy's Sport Bar. Other than his mother, he was preceded in death by one sister, Dorothy Powell Ramsey.

Survivors include: his wife of 25 years, Mrs. Mary J. Ruffin Powell; a son, Alan Gettridge; three daughters, Stephanie Gettridge, Katora Finney and Chiquita Hill; seven grandchildren, Brooklynne, Nicholas, Sean, Cameron, Alexandra, Zakiah and Zatanna; two brothers, Willie Powell, Jr. (Brenda) and James Green; five sisters, Veronica Gray, Dianne Kemp, Wilma Powell, Olivia Searcy and Vanessa Williams; two aunts, Sally Powell and Pearlie Powell; loving in-laws, Melvin Ruffin, Jr., Myrtle Ruffin, Larry Ruffin, Charles Ruffin, Camilla Brooks, Deborah DeCuir, Barbara DeCuir and Alton Ruffin; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.