Ricky Powell's story began on August 24, 1954. He departed this life March 29, 2025 .

Born the eldest son of Louise Melinda Beasley and Charlie Wade Powell, Ricky Powell led an eventful life full of adventure, love, triumph, and regret—each chapter contributing to the development of his character and the man he ultimately strove to become.

In his early years, he forfeited the ability to live a carefree life like most young adults, instead stepping in to help his mother provide for his younger siblings. Eventually, he enlisted in the Army, where he served for four years. After his military service, Ricky returned home and worked various jobs until he decided to fulfill his dream of becoming an over-the-road trucker and starting his own company. Trucking was his passion, and he took immense pride in it. He generously mentored aspiring drivers, sharing the wealth of knowledge he'd gained over the years he dedicated to the business.

In his downtime, Ricky would challenge any worthy competitor to a game of chess — a game in which he considered himself a guru. He also loved to travel, with one of his favorite places being the hot springs in Honduras.

Ricky was a complex man, composed of fragments of happiness, peace, stress, ambition, and regret. Yet, he was also a man who would give a stranger the shirt off his back. He touched many lives in a positive way, even as he sometimes struggled with interpersonal relationships. He was, simply, a man quilted together by his life experiences—devoted to God, navigating life with the tools he had in his toolbox.

The legacy he leaves behind is one of forgiveness, redemption, unconditional love, hard work, fortitude, perseverance, and a "desperado" attitude when the situation called for it. He loved his family dearly and did his best to express that love in the ways he knew how. Like all of us, he fell short at times, but he was a praying man who trusted in the promise that all things shall work together for good.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Louise Melinda Beasley and Charlie Wade Powell; and two siblings, Curtis Powell and Charles Powell.

He leaves behind two sons, Antonio Lavarous Powell and Terrick Mangle; one daughter, Kandace Parie Powell; six grandchildren, Paris Breonna Powell, Robert William Gordon, IV, Madison Grace Gordon, Octavious Alexander Banks, Addison Toni Rose Powell, and Nya Eleanore Powell; two great-grandchildren, Noah Kade Powell and Nasir Banks; three siblings, Vanessa Ann Powell, Cynthia Stivender, and Reginald Powell; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00pm Saturday, April 12, 2025 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Chad Armstrong officiating. The family visitation will be held from 1:30pm until 2:00pm on Saturday at the Chapel.