Perry W. Powell, Jr.
November 19, 1941 - September 14, 2016

Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home 943 Highway 425 North Monticello, AR 71655 Map & Directions Gathering of Friends & Family Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home 943 Highway 425 North Monticello ,  AR 71657 9/19/2016 at 11:00 a.m. Map & Directions   Oakland Cemetery 800 North Hyatt St. Monticello, AR 71655 Map & Directions

Perry W. Powell, Jr., age 74 of Monticello, passed away Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at JRMC in Pine Bluff. He was born November 19, 1941 in Drew County to the late Perry W. Powell, Sr. and Phyllis Ann Williams Powell.

Perry was joined in holy matrimony to Rita Ann Shepherd on July 17, 1982 until his departure. They had six children. Perry accepted Christ at an early age and was a life-long member of First Baptist Church in Monticello, where he attend faithfully until the failure of his health. He served as the senor choir vice-president and substitute van driver for the church. He was an outstanding bass singer and his favorite song was “Silent Night”.

He graduated from Drew High School in 1959. He had a great work ethic and was employed on several jobs throughout the course of his life. He retired from the City of Monticello. He was well known by almost everyone. To him, no one was a stranger. He had a great sense of humor and received pleasure making others laugh. He became a friend to everyone he met. Perry enjoyed spending time with his family, eating good food, fishing, reading and singing.

Perry was preceded in death by his father and mother and one brother Richard Avery. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 34 years, Rita Powell; four daughters, Marilyn (David) Simpson of Taylor, Michigan, Sherry Shepherd, Debra Shepherd, and Jolene Miller all of Monticello; two sons, Jerry (Linda) Shepherd of Monticello and Fredrick (Kenya) Shepherd of Tyler, Texas; one brother, William (Shelia) Powell of Monticello; two nieces, Deidre Powell of Little Rock and Dawn (Adrian) Hinton of Monticello; three nephews Terry Avery, Jerry Avery and Anthony Avery all of Monticello; ten grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, a special long-time friend, Hoarce Junior of Lacey and a host of relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 19, 2016 at Stephenson-Dearman Chapel with burial to follow in Oakland Cemetery. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.