Richard Randolph Powell

Richard Randolph Powell of Anderson, Indiana, passed away July 8, 2022 in Mobile, AL. Born October 10, 1956, he was the third child and only son of Frances M Powell and Delores Maxine Powell (Sexton). He is survived by his wife Ethel Powell, older sister Dixie Lee Schaefer (Powell) and a younger half sister Danise Fredricks (Frazier).

Rick's mom, Maxine, remarried to Merrill Frazier, and they moved to Prattville, AL in 1969 where Rick was on the middle school wrestling team. They then moved to Mobile, AL in 1973 where Merrill opened a brake factory near Brookley Field. Rick worked at the brake factory for a little while then at UPS. At UPS his co-worker Reggie invited him to Dauphin Way Baptist Church for Easter service. It was there that he was saved at age 17 under pastor Jerry Vines.

This high school drop-out became an avid studier of doctrine and theology, always into those books and his Bible. He taught himself to play guitar and sing using a John Denver songbook and later wrote a song, "Last Call", about the end-times.

Then something happened in his life and he went astray. He became homeless for a while, then he came back after attending a Freddie Gage Crusade.

He worked with Mobile Rescue Mission under Bro. Shirley and later Waterfront Rescue Mission. You might even find Rick preaching in Bienville Square a time or two.

He participated in various evangelistic street ministries including Agape House ran by Shirley Bishop. Agape House was an outreach to the homeless at 202 St. Michael St. in Mobile. Rick would preach and lead music there once a month.

He completed his GED as the oldest in his class and soon began to attend University of Mobile.

He led home Bible studies.

He became ordained and pastored several churches. If he wasn't pastoring, he would be leading music with his guitar or teaching classes, like the Auditorium Bible Class at Dauphin Way Baptist Church.

His whole life was in rescue missions and rehab. He worked as Superintendent at Mission of Hope for 4 years.

He always had an interest in going to the gym and working out, although this was often on the back burner, ministry came first.

His later years were plagued with disappointments and health problems. Always outgoing, he managed to use exercise to help others achieve their goals.

He was teacher, preacher, Chaplain, Director, Superintendent, Recovery Minister, Music Leader, and a worthy Theologian. His life was a rich and full tapestry where he was always striving to reach out to others and show the love of Christ which he felt in his heart.