Dennis R. Powell

Colonel Dennis Rodney Powell, USAF, Ret., 81, a longtime resident of Montgomery, passed away on June 1, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rush “Pep” Pearson and Margery Smith Powell.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Diane Crawley Powell; his daughters Lisa Powell Brantly (Tom) and Stacey Lynn Powell (Eric Hitchcock); and sister JP Puette (Bob). Rodney was born in Montgomery, Alabama on February 7, 1940. He graduated from Robert E. Lee High School where he played trumpet in the marching band, and received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Auburn University and a Master of Business Administration from Auburn University at Montgomery. He was a member of Morningview Baptist Church and later Eastern Hills Baptist Church. Rodney retired as a Colonel after serving his country for 30 years in the United States Air Force and USAF Reserve, and also owned a commercial audio-visual company among other business interests.

After his retirement in the early 1990s, he felt privileged to hold a civilian role as the Project Officer for the Secretary of the Air Force Reserve POW/MIA Declassification and Review Team for the Department of Defense Central Documentation Office in Arlington, Virginia.

He and Diane were Alabama Goodwill Ambassadors for the International Officer School at Maxwell Air Force Base for more than 35 years, resulting in many long-lasting friendships around the globe. His enthusiasm for ham (amateur) radio began as a teenager, and carried him into an active role with the Montgomery Amateur Radio Club, where he often coordinated prizes for the annual hamfest.

Rodney was a charter member of the Alpha Upsilon chapter of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity at Auburn University. He was also a member of the Auburn Alumni Association, Air War College Alumni Association, Military Auxiliary Radio System, American Radio Relay League, British Motoring Club of Montgomery, and the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

He enjoyed tailgating and watching Auburn University football, but especially loved entertaining his numerous international friends at the family property on Lake Martin.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Montgomery.

Visitation will be held at Leak Memory Chapel on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at 2:00pm, followed by a service at 3:00pm with Lt Col Stephen See, USAF, Ret. officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Annex Cemetery.