Robert J. Powell

He was born in Benoit, Mississippi on July 22, 1932, a rural community along the Mississippi delta. He exhibited unusual musical ability as a very young child, even serving as the organist at his local church by the age of 10. During that period, he began composing music; first in keyboard creations but by the age of 12, a choral composition titled “How Far Is It to Bethlehem” which is his earliest known named work. He composed sacred music until the end of his life with more than 1,200 pieces published, including hymns that are now standard in liturgy.

He graduated from Louisiana State University, served in the US Army, and earned a Master’s Degree in Sacred Music at the Union Theological Seminary in New York. He was the organist at Saint John the Divine in New York, organist and choir director at Saint Paul’s Meridian (MS), and music master at Saint Paul’s School in Concord, NH. Powell was a Fellow of the American Guild of Organists.

In 1968, he became the organist and choirmaster at Christ Church in Greenville where he served for 35 years. After retirement, he took organist and choir directing roles at smaller churches. At his death, he was with the Church of the Redeemer. He continued his compositions until the end.

Robert J. Powell is survived by his wife of 67 years, Nancy Craine Powell, also an organist and former organ recitalist, as well as three children, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

A memorial service for Robert will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, January 27, 2025 at Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church, 1002 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mackeywoodlawn.com for the Powell family.