It is with a humble heart that we announce the passing of Mr. Alton Powell who passed in Columbia, South Carolina.  

On January 10, 1927 Ellis Austin Powell and Mary Davis Powell welcomed Alton Powell to their lives and the world. He was educated in the public school system of Grady County. At the age of 18 he entered military service, drafted in the United States Army serving in World War II. After a two -year tour, he was honorably discharged. He continued his education earning his GED under the GI Bill of Rights.

In the year of our Lord, 1949, on Easter Sunday, April 17th, Alton was united in marriage to the former Lillian Thomas and to this union a daughter was born. Alton worked for Ira Higdon Grocery & Shipping Company for 30 plus years. In 1976 he began work with the Grady County Board of Education as Purchasing Agent, retiring from the Board of Education in 1996. He also maintained partnership with Sunshine Cleaners of Cairo until 2005. He served the City of Cairo as member of the Grady County Zoning Committee for 5 years.

Precious memories will linger in the hearts of a devoted and supportive wife of 67 - years, Lillian; daughter and son -in - law, Eleanor P. & Benny F. Clark; West Columbia, SC; and “His favorite grandson,” Alton Powell Clark of Greenville, SC. A special sister, Rosa Nell Gilbert of McDoungh, GA. A special adopted daughter, Annie Doris Jackson, adopted son & daughter, Willie & Virginia Coakley, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends all of whom he loved and enjoyed very much. Alton was one of 16 children, nine brothers, R.C., Vernon, Edgar, Wade, Jack Davis, Hikes, Ledford, Eunice and Otis Powell, 6 sisters, Equllia Davis Daniels, Thelma Davis Oliver, Ruby Powell, Louise Powell Mond, and Addie Powell Spivey all of whom preceded him in death.

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