Jay Powell

Coach Jay Douglas Powell, 54 of Tyler, Texas died unexpectedly May 14, 2012. He was born November 16, 1957 in Madison, Wisconsin, the son of J B and Jean Powell of Minden, Louisiana. He was the oldest of 4 siblings. A memorial service will be held Monday, May 21, 2012 at 4:30 PM at Colonial Hills Baptist Church in Tyler under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home, with Rev. Robert Carter officiating. Sharing special words will be friend and coaching partner, Minister, Glen Cogburn, former students Philip White and Carter Halbrooks. On August 6, 1988, he married Lisa Witherington. He graduated from Northeast Louisiana University in 1980 with a degree in Education and furthered his education at Louisiana State University. He began teaching in Monroe, La and was athletic director at Lee Jr High. In 1989 they moved to Tyler and started a family. He coached football, basketball and track at Dogan Middle School, Boulter Middle School and for the past 18 years at Moore MST Magnet School. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Lisa Witherington Powell; as well as daughters Jordan Powell and Madison Powell; parents, J B and Jean Powell; sister and brother-in-law Kelly Powell Behrendt and husband Richard of Denver Colorado; brother, David Powell; and special friend, Michael Flower of Austin, Texas; many nieces and nephews and close family friends Ben, Candy and Christina Cave. Mr. Powell was preceded in death by his brother Mark Joseph Powell. He was a member of Colonial Hills Baptist Church. As an educator, Jay received recognition as a Master Teacher and Teacher of the Month periodically throughout his career. He was very innovative, writing and receiving numerous grants from TISD foundation and various other sources. “Coach Powell” as he was known by his students, had a true passion for kids! He touched the lives of many with his love, friendship, wit and true joy that he so freely shared. He instilled in his students lessons about life, perseverance and will power. His HUGE smile proved to be contagious and will be forever etched in the hearts and memories of those who called him “Coach”. Honorary Pallbearers will be Richard Behrendt, Ben Cave, Bob Holston, Claude Lane, Glen Cogburn, Randy Fleet, Gary Halbrooks. In Lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Jay D. Powell Science and Technology Scholarship fund through ETCF, 315 N. Broadway, Suite 210, Tyler, Texas 75702.

Jay Powell

November 16, 1957 - May 14, 2012