Ronald Powell

Ronald Milton Powell, 66, of Haltom City, Texas, passed away Thursday, March 8, 2012 at a local hospital surrounded by his family. Ronnie was born October 18, 1945, in Fort Worth, to Alonzo Melford Powell, Sr. and Mildred Louise Lowry Powell. He graduated from Trimble Technical High School. Ronnie was a member of South Hills Baptist Church since childhood. Bro. Walter Reid baptized him when as a boy, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. He never wavered in his belief of a Heavenly Home. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a boiler tender on the U.S.S. Holder DD 819 from 1966-68. His destroyer was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia and during his enlistment went to Guantanamo Bay and Portland, England. He proudly served in the reserves until he was honorably discharged in 1980. Ronnie married his life-long love Margaret Pierce February 12, 1973 in El Dorado, Arkansas. He became the father of Willis and Margaret Presscilla. A son, Ron Jo was born in 1976. Ronnie adored his family and dogs and they adored him. Margaret hardly left his side during his illness. Ronnie was their rock in the "storms of life". The kids admired their father for being able to fix anything and never had to call a repairman. He loved to fix old cars and kept all of his in running shape. After flipping burgers, machine shop work and A/C work, he was re-hired by General Dynamics in 1980. He retired this past November as an instrumentation mechanic but never lost his love for the work or his co-workers. He was famous for baking biscuits to treat the crew before their shift started. At one time, Ronnie was a fixture in "The Stockyards". He performed as the "India Rubber Man" in front of "Texas Water" and Allison Kerr and the "Buffalo Grass". He also took monikers of "Panama" for the hat he wore, and sometimes "Tex". He loved telling jokes and fishing. He treasured his trips to Alaska to visit his family. Ronnie was preceded in death by his father, Mel and his sister (Martha Jo's twin), Barbara Louise. Survivors: Wife, Margaret Pierce of Fort Worth; Mother, Mildred Powell of Fort Worth; sons Ron Jo and wife, Morgan of Alaska, Willis and wife Gina of Fort Worth; daughter Margaret Presscilla of Alaska; brother Alonzo M. Powell, Jr. (Lonnie) and wife Nancy of Stephenville: sister, Martha Jo Powell of Fort Worth; grandchildren: Amanda, Desiree', Willis, Mathew, Emmaleigh, Tristan; great-grandchildren: Devyn, Dharyius, Da'liyiah, and extended family members and friends who will cherish the memory of Ronnie. Memorials: In lieu of flowers and if so desired, donations to the Ronald Powell Medical Fund c/o Martha Jo Powell, 3112 Riverwood Dr., Fort Worth, TX 76116 would be appreciated. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ronald Powell please visit our Sympathy Store.