Ralph Powell, Jr.

Ralph Powell Jr., 79, went to be with his Lord on October 8, 2025. He was born to Ralph Powell and Mary Katherine (Kat) Gardner Powell on November 20th, 1945, in Riverside hospital in Bainbridge. Ralph lived most of his life in the Donalsonville and Brinson areas attending school in Brinson and graduating from Bainbridge High school where he played football.

As an adult he began his career with the Georgia Power Company as a helper on the line crew on June 24, 1964. He later progressed to driving a truck and to being an apprentice on the line crew before Uncle Sam called and he was drafted into the United States Army. Ralph trained at Fort Benning and was stationed at Fort Huachuca in Arizona before being shipped out to Nha-Trang Vietnam where he fought alongside other brave men. He received an award for his service and an honorable discharge that allowed him to return home and continue his career at Georgia Power. Over the years he was promoted from lineman to local manager of the Douglas, Hahira, and Donalsonville, Georgia offices before being promoted to Bainbridge area manager.

While serving as a supervisor at Georgia Power he became a devoted community leader involved in civic and social activities throughout his career. He served on the Seminole County board of education, Donalsonville city council, and Decatur County development authority. Ralph used his extensive business knowledge to serve on advisory boards for First National Bank, Southern Fidelity Insurance, Danimer and an ethanol plant in Camilla. He was also president of the Donalsonville and Hahira Lion's clubs, the Bainbridge and the Seminole county chambers of commerce, and Rotary club president. As well as, the chairman of the Seminole county development authority. Ralph's tireless dedication to his community won him the title of Man of the Year in both Seminole and Decatur counties. After thirty-eight years of service to Georgia Power Company he retired on April 2, 2002.

Sitting around in a rocking chair was not appealing to Ralph, so he began a second career that involved his lifelong enjoyment of the outdoors. He joined Southwind Plantation helping to market hunting activities and events. Upon leaving Southwind he established one of the most successful dove hunting operations in South Georgia while sharing his experience to help establish three additional clubs. Ralph remained involved with the Spring Creek Dove Club owned by the Parker Heard family until his death.

Ralph cherished his family and friends throughout his life. He is survived by his daughter Laura Lynn Powell of Valdosta, son Stanley Ralph Powell (Crystal) of Valdosta, Granddaughter Gabrielle Powell (Hunter) of Valdosta, grandson Garren Powell (Laigan) of Moultrie, his brother William Edwin Powell and sister-in-law Janice Dean Powell of Lake Seminole, and longtime companion Martha Jordan of Iron City, as well as a host of cousins and friends. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Deborah Powell Parker.

The graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Pine Grove Baptist Church Cemetery with Pastor Kent Raker officiating. Johnny Cofty, Parker Heard, Buz Whitley, Richard Spooner, Cody Powell and Doug Cofty serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com. In his later years his church became one of his strongest commitments. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Pine Grove Baptist Church in memory of Ralph Powell Jr.