John S Powell

John Stephen Powell, Jr. (Steve or JS), passed away on November 2, 2016. A native and lifelong resident of Ft. Lauderdale, Steve was born on January 27, 1930, to parents J.S. Powell and Dorothy Jones Powell of Newnan, Georgia, who had moved to Ft. Lauderdale in the early 1920's. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Carol A. Powell; his children: J.S. Powell, III, Dorothy Powell-Peck (Mark), Michael H. Powell; Carol's children: Donovan C. Blanchard, III (Arlene), Michelle L. Wood; grandchildren: Mark Ritchey Peck, Jr., Stephen Powell Peck, Allison Blanchard; brother Robert O. Powell (Ann), nephew Robert O. Powell, Jr. (Dorothy) and niece Kaki Gambardella (Steven).

Steve was a graduate of Ft. Lauderdale High School, where he played numerous sports and was a member of the state championship teams in basketball in 1946 and baseball in 1947. He was a Phi Delta Theta at the University of Florida where he graduated in 1953 with a degree in Building Construction. He then served in the U.S. Army in Korea, being honorably discharged as a Captain.

Upon his return from Korea, Steve went to work for the family business Powell Brothers, Inc., a marine and heavy construction firm based in Ft. Lauderdale. The company was incorporated in 1930, and Steve became President in 1969. Powell Brothers was a major builder of state, county, and municipal bridges, sewage ocean outfalls from Key West to Jacksonville, subaqueous cable and pipeline crossings, bulkheads and seawalls, marinas and ports, and various other interesting and difficult work both in Florida and throughout the Bahamas and Caribbean for government and private owners. The SE 3rd Avenue, SW 4th Avenue, and FEC twin-track railroad bridge over the New River downtown are a few examples of Powell Brothers handiwork locally.

Construction was not his only business interest. Steve served on the board of directors of Broward National Bank, Fort Lauderdale National Bank, Century Banks, and Sun Bank (now SunTrust Bank). He also, along with his brother, was actively involved in the beef cattle business with their ranch in Okeechobee County.

An avid outdoorsman, Steve was at home on the water fishing. He fished all his life, wetting his line in Australia, St. Thomas, Panama, most of the Bahamas, and the Keys and both coasts of South Florida. He particularly enjoyed plug casting for tarpon and snook with his friends on their annual "Possum" houseboat trip out of Flamingo and into the Ten Thousand Islands of Everglades National Park. Conversely, he could just as likely to be found trolling the ocean depths seeking blue marlin. Steve competed successfully for 20 years in the Bahamas Billfish Championship and other tournaments, but made plenty of time for fun fishing with family and friends.

When not on the water, Steve could likely be found in the woods at his hunt camp, Wolf Hammock Ranch, in Okeechobee County, or his camp in Georgia, Powell Farms. Steve was introduced to hunting by his father at the Belcher family Rock Lake property near Immokalee. He hunted there for many years with a close group of friends before moving on to other leases off Alligator Alley, and then to Fisheating Creek, before buying (with his brother) their current property, Wolf Hammock Ranch. Always a good shot with a rifle, Steve became skilled at bow hunting over the past 15 years. He also traveled with other hunting friends to Africa, Spain, as well as Texas, Georgia, and Wisconsin pursuing his passion.

Steve's love of the outdoors and athletic competition was passed on to his children. He was always eager to teach, play catch, shoot hoops, or hit tennis balls at the LYC, and attend the multiple games or matches his kids played. He coached Little League baseball at Federal Little League for 2 seasons.

Steve has given generously to his alma mater, the University of Florida. In 1995, he and his brother donated funds toward the construction of Powell Hall for the Florida Museum of Natural History. Steve and his wife, Carol, donated funds in 2002 towards the Powell Center for Construction & Environment, the College of Design, Construction and Planning, and the Rinker School of Construction Management. In 2004, Steve was honored as a UF Distinguished Alumnus and was recognized in the Construction Hall of Fame.

Steve was fortunate in life to be surrounded by good people. From high schools pals that remained lifelong friends, professional acquaintances in the legal and medical fields that became trusted comrades and council, and employees whom always had his best interest at heart and were treasured liked family. These diverse and coveted relationships are a reflection on Steve and the kind of man he was.

A private memorial will be held by the family. To honor Steve, donations may be made in his name to a charity of your choice.