Hollis Dwain Powell of Pasadena, Texas, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at the age of 91. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Born on November 22, 1932, in Brookeland, Texas, to Brink and Leona Powell, Hollis graduated from Brookeland High School. He went on to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. He also proudly served in the United States Army.
Hollis was married to Carolyn for 53 wonderful years and raised their four children in the school district they both served. Until her passing in 2011, they enjoyed retirement by traveling, spending time at the lake house, cherishing their moments with grandchildren, and helping others. In the Pasadena Independent School District, Hollis served as a teacher and later as the first principal at Meador Elementary. He is best known as the first principal at Atkinson Elementary, serving from 1969 until his retirement in 1995. He loved working with his students, staff, and the entire South Belt community. He was a long-time member of Richey Street Baptist Church and later Memorial Baptist Church in Pasadena, Texas. He held various leadership roles at the church and spent many selfless hours as a volunteer and will always be remembered as a man of strong faith.
Hollis is survived by his children: son Mark Powell and wife Anh, daughter Shelly Bunt and husband Don, son Brent Powell and wife Laurie, and son Lance Powell and wife DeeAnn. Also, his brothers, Glen, Herbert, and Charles Wayne; brother-in-law
Mickey Stewart and wife Betty; and brother-in-law Keith Stewart and wife Charlotte. His pride and joy include twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Powell; parents Brink and Leona Powell; siblings Iva Franks, Ola Lee, Ruth Garlington, Doris Barlow, Alfred Powell, Bill Powell, and Elmer Powell.
The service for Hollis D. Powell will be held on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Grandview Funeral Home, 8501 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, Texas 77505. Visitation will be on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Grandview Funeral Home.
Interment will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at Weeks Chapel Cemetery, 315 Co Rd 233, Jasper, Texas 75951.
