Richard Franklin Powell, Sr.

Richard Franklin Powell, Sr., 80, passed away at his home, Sally Run, on Monday, May 26, 2014. Friends and relatives are invited for a celebration of his life at Sally Run, 2347 South Lee Street, Americus, GA on Tuesday, May 27, between the hours of 5:00 & 8:00 PM. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 Am on Wednesday, May 28, at First United Methodist Church, with the Reverend Bill Dupree and the Reverend Jim Smith presiding. Burial will follow at a later date in Eastanollee, TN. Richard F. Powell, commonly known as "Big Daddy", was born on May 1, 1934 in Meigs County, TN, on a river-bottom farm to parents Frank Preston Powell and Mary Glades Dugger Powell. Farming, family, friends, and the University of Tennessee were subjects of ongoing attention and affection. Mr. Powell grew up on a farm in Sweetwater, TN and attended Tennessee Military Institute prior to graduating from the University of Tennessee where he served as ROTC Unit Commander and earned a BS degree in Animal Husbandry before spending five years in the Army 82nd Airborne. He married Eleanor Simpson Powell, who preceded him in death in April of 1995. Richard and his brother Preston Powell became partners. Richard made a career of trading land, buying cows, and dairy farming. Richard moved to Americus, GA where the Powell brothers ultimately owned and operated Powell Farms, which milked 1000 head of cattle daily. Richard was known for his ability to find and buy cattle, and develop the dairy herd. Richard and Preston also bought Simplex Nails, which is now owned and operated by Richard's sons, Rick and Ken Powell. Mr. Powell is survived by his wife Virginia "Ginny" Powell; sons Richard Franklin Powell, Jr. and his wife Genie, and their children Walker Powell, Cooper Powell and Hanna Kroll; and Kenneth Simpson Powell and his wife Lisa, and their children Lauren Powell Kraemer and her husband Travis and daughter Audrey, David Powell, Whit Powell and Kelley Bowen; sisters Mary Beth Rogers and Rebecca Franklin; and brothers Preston Powell and Douglas Powell. Mr. Powell is also survived by his long-time, loyal, faithful friend and employee, Leonard Grover. To sign our online guestbook and express your condolences to the family, please visit www.hancockfuneralhomeinc.com Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee St., is honored to be entrusted with these arrangements for Mr. Richard F. Powell.