Rayburn Burnett Powers

Rayburn Burnett Powers was born August 22, 1920 in Kopperl, Bosque County, Texas to parents Mark Bird Powers and Agnes Lenora Rains Powers.

Rayburn Burnett Powers attended Waco High School and Baylor University, Waco Texas.

Rayburn Burnett “RB” Powers married Bertha Jean “BJ” Brown on July 10th, 1941 and they settled in Tyler in 1947 where he and “BJ” raised their three sons. After World War II, “RB” Powers and his older brother, James Golden “Doc” Powers chose to re-locate their families to Tyler and open their new business venture, the Smith County Lumber Yard. The Smith County Lumber Yard was located on North Glenwood Blvd near West Erwin Street and served the growing Tyler building business from 1947 until the 1970’s.

“RB” Powers and his family joined Christ Episcopal Church in 1947 where he and his wife were members until their death. “RB” Powers was a member of several Tyler civic organizations during his lifetime. “RB”’s business interests included the lumber yard, real estate and oil and gas investments. “RB” and his older brother “Doc” Powers developed the WoodWay Park Condominiums on the Old Troup Highway between Broadway and the New Troup Highway. “RB” and his wife “BJ” opened their first antique shop in the 1960’s and together they were in the antique business for more than 25 years. BJ’s Antiques was one of the first dealers in Tyler to specialize in English antiques. “RB” enjoyed tennis, snow skiing, travel, deep sea and bay fishing.

Rayburn Burnett “RB” Powers was preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers, James Golden “Doc” Powers and Mack Amon Powers and his sister, Mary Powers Peck, and his late wife, Bertha Jean “BJ” Powers,

Rayburn Burnett “RB” Powers is survived by his sons and daughter-in laws, Ray B. Powers, Jr. and Gay F. Powers of Austin; and Johnny Mack Powers and Stacey T. Powers of Rockwall; and Robert Allen Powers of Tyler; grandchildren: Jean Louise “Jenny” Aiavolasiti of Nacogdoches; and Kimberley Lyle’ Ward of Tyler; great-grandchildren: Presley Lyle’ Lisner and Molley Mae Lisner of Anna; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 118 S. Bois d’Arc Ave., downtown Tyler, on Saturday, the 11th day of June, 2011, at 4:00 pm. All are welcome.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, Friday, the 10th day of June at Lloyd James Funeral Home, 1011 East First Street, Tyler, TX 75701. Arrangements are under the direction of Lloyd James Funeral Home.

The family of “RB” Powers extends their special thankful gratitude to Mr. David Ploesser; the family’s most long term caregiver, friend and companion for “RB”. Thank you, David. Also, the family thanks Mother Frances Hospital, Hospice of East Texas and to all of his kind and attentive caregivers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to The Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd, Tyler, TX 75701 or Christ Episcopal Church, 118 South Bois d'Arc, Tyler, Texas 75702.

Arrangements under the direction of Lloyd James Funeral Home, Tyler, TX.