Dr. Paul W. Powell

Paul Powell, a long time Baptist leader and community servant died Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at the age of 83. Paul was born December 6, 1933 in Brookeland, Texas. He grew up in Port Arthur, the son of Jodie and Mary Powell. He was a pastor for 34 years, 17 of those at Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler. He also worked as President and CEO of GuideStone Financial Services, an organization that manages the retirement accounts of ministers and missionaries worldwide. For six years, he served as Dean of Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary. For two years, during the 1980s he served as president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Powell earned his degrees from Baylor and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Paul also served as past Chairman of the Board at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Health System, past President of Robert M. Rogers Foundation and was active on the Board of Directors of Southside Bank. He was a member of numerous boards and recipient of numerous honors for his service to the Tyler community and his denomination. He authored over 50 books that focused on encouraging pastors and inspiring others to reach their full potential in Christ, which was his greatest passion. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Cathy Powell of Tyler; son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Suzanne Powell of Tyler; daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Mitchell Gropper of Dallas; grandchildren, Jordan Powell, Katie Kallas and Matt Kallas; and sister, Lillian “Punk” Wassenick of Nederland. He was preceded in death by his son, Kent, who died in April. Visitation is scheduled for 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 1, 2017 at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, in Tyler. A memorial service is scheduled for Monday, January 2, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Green Acres Baptist Church, private burial at Cathedral In The Pines Cemetery under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. Memorials can be made to Baylor University, noting the “Paul W. Powell preaching fund” on the memo line, and mailed to Baylor University, George W. Truett Theological Seminary, One Bear Place, #97126, Waco TX 76798-7126 (this fund will be used to teach and train pastors for the ministry), Meals on Wheels Ministry, 3001 Robertson Rd., Tyler, TX 75701 or a charity of your choice. His last prayer was for God to bless his family, friends and America.

Dr. Paul W. Powell

December 6, 1933 - December 28, 2016