Judge O. "Gene" Eugene Powell Jr.

COLUMBIA - Judge O. “Gene” Powell, 82, passed away March 18, 2023. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at Shandon Baptist Church with burial and military honors to follow at Fort Jackson National Cemetery. A gathering of friends and family will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel.

A Columbia native, Judge Powell was born May 27, 1940 to Osborne and Marjorie Davis Powell. In 1962, he received a B.A. in Economics from Wofford College and his Juris Doctorate in 1965 from the University Of South Carolina School Of Law. Judge Powell also was the recipient of diplomas from U.S. Army War College and U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare School. For 35 years he served his country proudly in the USNR and USAR with active service during the Vietnam and Gulf Wars. Retiring at the rank of Colonel and Past Commander, 12th Military Law Center and Major General and Past Commander, Joint Services Detachment, SCMD.

An outstanding, decorated officer, among his awards are the Legion of Merit/ 1st OLC, The Palmetto Cross and SC Lt. Governors Palmetto Patriot Award. A Federal Administrative Law Judge for 29 years, Judge Powell enjoyed lecturing both military and civilian legal education in various colleges and associations including; SC Bar, SC Trial Lawyers, Federal Bar Association and the Association of Administrative Law Judges.

Judge Powell was a life member of the National Eagle Scout Association where he served on the Indian Waters Council, Eagle Scout Board of Review and Law Merit Badge Counselor. A member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, SC Gamma and SC Employer Support of Guard and Reserve. Most recently, he was awarded the Order of the Palmetto.

Judge Powell was a member of Shandon Baptist Church where he enjoyed being a greeter. An avid sports fan and especially loved the Gamecocks and Cowboys. He enjoyed gardening, skiing, biking, running, hiking and traveling.

In addition to his parents he is predeceased by his mother-in-law and sports buddy, Ruth Cleckner. Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Mary Lou Powell; three sons, Gene Powell, III (Heidi), Scott Powell (Robin), John Powell; eight grandchildren, Rebecca Powell, Rachel Powell, Callie Powell, Winter Snowzell (Sol), Anna Grace Powell, Jon Regan Powell, Tradd Powell, Grayson Powell and nephew; Gennaro Moscato.

Memorials may be made in Judge Osborne “Gene” Powell’s name to Shandon Baptist Church, 5250 Forest Drive, Columbia, SC 29206; Samaritan’s Purse, https://www.samaritanspurse.org/ ; or a charity of choice.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.