Col. Powers

A courageous Air Force Pilot, father, husband, brother, and friend, Col. (Ret) William R. Powers passed to his heavenly home Sunday morning, June 5, 2016 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Bill was born January 1, 1930 in Meridian, MS. The family moved to West Columbia, where Bill grew up and graduated from Columbia High School in 1947. He attended Texas A & M, then joined the United States Air Force, and later graduated from the University of Nebraska.

While in the Air Force, Bill became a decorated jet fighter pilot. His many awards included two Silver Stars, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, and many other accolades. He completed 100 missions over North Vietnam. He was an ardent defender of freedom for our country.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Anne Powers of Columbia Lakes, TX, daughters Kimberly Powers of Virginia City, NV, Michelle (Ron) Mc Laughlin of Las Vegas, NV, son William R. Powers, Jr. of Medford, OR, stepdaughters Anne Elise (Steve) Dollery of Caldwell, TX and Jennifer (Shawn) Dollery of Caldwell, TX. Brother Robert (Joan) Powers of Gig Harbor, WA, sister in law Pauline Edling Powers, and brother in law Charlie Richards. Grandson Jason (Angie) McLaughlin of Las Vegas, NV., step grandsons Shawn (Krystal) Dollery, Kody Dollery, Cole Dollery , step granddaughter Lindie Dollery all of Caldwell, TX, 2 great grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his mother Glinda Louise Welch Powers, father Roy Haynes Powers, Sr., Brother Roy Haynes Powers, Jr, sister, Glinda Louise Powers Richards, and nephew William Robert (Billy Bob) Powers.

Pallbearers are Robbie Woodard, Rob Woodard, Mike Davis, Jason Mc Laughlin, Evert Broderick, Cory Pierce, and Mike Koether.

Visitation will be Sunday, June 12, 2016 from 3-5 at Baker Funeral Home, West Columbia. Funeral service will be 10:30am, Monday, June 13, 2016 at Baker Funeral Home in West Columbia with Rev. Jim Gentner, officiating. Graveside services with military honors will follow at Columbia Cemetery.

The family wants to give our sincere gratitude to IPH Hospice Care, Inc., especially our angels Christy Jakubec, and Michelle Eddleman, along with the many other loving staff members. Also our loving caregivers Shirley Tolbert, Jean Tolbert, Lorrie Tolbert, and Help, Inc. caregivers, Robert Caraway and Tamara Richo. And the family wants to give a special thanks to Joy and Robbie Woodard and Terry Powers, nieces of Bill, for being so supportive and loving to Bill during his last days.

In lieu of floral tributes, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in Bill's honor be made to Mattson-Ringgold Post (American Legion), Bethel Presbyterian Church, or IPH Hospice Care, Inc.

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