Billy Gordon Powell

Billy Gordon Powell of Stephenville, Texas, departed this world on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at age 82, and now rests high on that mountain. We celebrate that he is now fully restored and his spirit is free. 

Bill was born October 23, 1944, to Doris and Roger Powell in Gatesville, Texas. He attended Coleman High School, where he played football, basketball, baseball, tennis and ran track. After graduating in 1963, he went on to Tarleton State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in General Agriculture in 1967. While at Tarleton, Bill met his loving wife, Linda Bills Powell. The two were married on June 4, 1966, and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this past June. Together they raised three wonderful children: Laurie, Brad, and Brian. Bill was exceptionally proud of each of them and loved to share their latest news with everyone he met. 

After college, he followed in his father’s footsteps with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Soil Conservation Service (later renamed the Natural Resources Conservation Service), in a career that began in Floydada, Texas, and later took him to Lubbock, Lamesa, Corsicana, and Stephenville. He retired in January 2006 after 38 years and went on to serve as Facilities Director at Foster’s Home for Children until 2011. He later proudly served for many years with the Harbin Volunteer Fire Department. 

Bill was a cowboy at heart who loved the outdoors, country music, and vanilla Blue Bell ice cream. A devoutly religious man, he believed in helping others, and served as a deacon in every city he called home, most recently at Graham Street Church of Christ in Stephenville. He had a strong work ethic and was dedicated to doing the right thing, the right way. He loved the land, was a true steward of it, and cared deeply for all of God’s creatures. 

Bill is survived by his wife, Linda Powell; his daughter, Laurie Powell Beckmon, and husband, Greg; his son Brad Powell and wife, Melissa; his son Brian Powell and wife, Kelli; his grandchildren, Kolten, Morgan, Brenna, Mackenzie, Mason, and Griffin; and three great-grandchildren, with another on the way. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roger A. Powell and Doris J. Powell; his brother, Roger Powell Jr.; and his great-granddaughter, Darcy Sharbine. 

Bill had a quiet wisdom that will be dearly missed. He will remain with us in our memories, in the stories we tell, and in the lessons he taught us. 

A service will be held Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at Graham Street Church of Christ. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Harbin Volunteer Fire Department or the Basic Needs Ministry at Graham Street Church of Christ.