Harry Lee Powell was born on July 31, 1938 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Lewis Sr. and Emma Lee Powell. He was the third of four siblings: Lewis Powell Jr., Jean Powell Harvey and Ollie Jerome Powell; all of whom preceded him in death. He accepted Christ at an early age and attended Liberty Baptist Church in Chicago, Illinois.
In 1957, Harry graduated from DuSable High School. He attended Chicago Technical College where he earned a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering. He also attended the Illinois Technical Institute. Harry received an MBA in Business and Finance from Keller Graduate School of Management.
He enlisted in the United States Army in 1961 and served his country as an electrical specialist and computer technician. Harry attained the rank of SP4 and was honorably discharged after three years of diligent service.
Over the years, Harry had an impressive professional career. He worked for Motorola, Honeywell, Stromberg Data Graphics, and Harris Corporation. Throughout his career, he had managerial responsibilities in the areas of Field Engineering, Accounts Receivable and Union Negotiations. In 1983, he relocated to Dallas with the Harris Corporation. In 1987, Harry became an Allstate Insurance Agency Owner in Farmers Branch, Texas and retired after 20 years.
On May 23, 1992, Harry was united in marriage to Rita Heath. Together they travelled extensively capturing many moments in photos. While at home, they enjoyed entertaining family and friends. One of Harry’s passions was relaxing in the backyard, and his favorite pastime was planting roses and various varieties of palm and fruit trees.
For over 32 years, Harry served as a faithful Man of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. (MOI) and enjoyed attending many Regional Conferences and National Conventions.
On Thursday, January 14, 2021, Harry received his wings. He fought the good fight and after a long illness, God called him home.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife: Rita Heath-Powell, his son: Ronald (Shari) Powell of Chicago, Illinois from a previous marriage to Shirley Powell; daughter-in-love: Belinda Twitty of Chicago, Illinois; grandchildren: LaShaun Powell, Reynaldo Powell and D’Andre Powell; great grandchildren: Morgan Conley, Torin Hall, William Johnson and Dominic Powell; great-great grandchildren: Jonathan and Dushawn Bradley; sisters-in-law: Tommie Powell of Lynwood, Illinois and Ardella Powell of Chicago, Illinois; brother-in-law: John (Charlotte) McGlothen of Jackson, Mississippi; nieces: Jacqueline Harvey, Emma Crosby, Stephanie Powell, and Della Rose Powell; nephews: Vincent Powell, Lewis Powell, Larry Powell, Milton Harvey, Bud Powell and Thomas Crosby; cousin: Tanya (Clyde) Poe of Jackson, Mississippi and a host of other relatives and friends.
Family Acknowledgement:
The family would like to thank everyone for their comforting words, kind thoughts, prayers, calls, cards and flowers. We would like to thank Dr. Aamer Agha and his wonderful staff, the caring staff at Plano Presbyterian Hospital, longtime friends and caregivers, Harry and Robin Manuel, and the awesome staff at Turrentine Jackson Morrow Funeral Home.
A “come and go” visitation will be held on Sunday, January 24, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home. Only a limited number of guests will be allowed to enter the funeral home facility at any one time to maintain social distancing.
In support of our local, state, and federal govt including CDC directives and to protect the physical health, safety and well-being of our community, only a limited number of guests will be allowed to attend the Funeral Service.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, January 25, 2021, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas. The service will also be live streamed at TJMfuneral.com Harry’s obituary page by clicking on the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/harry-lee-powell. After the service, the recorded live stream will be available for viewing at the same link location.
However, when the maximum number of guests are reached, those who would like to honor Harry and show their support to his family may remain at the funeral home in your vehicle, where you can watch the live streamed service on your personal device (laptop, tablet or smartphone) or listen through a designated FM radio channel.
Interment will be held at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75211.