Billie Powell

Billie Ray Powell, affectionately known as Bill or “Mr. Powell” to many, transitioned to his heavenly home on Monday, October 13, 2025, after a life beautifully lived and generously shared. He was 86.

Born on August 19, 1939, in El Dorado, Arkansas, Bill was the proud son of the late John and Thelma (Tatum) Powell. His journey eventually led him to South Bend, Indiana, in 1964—originally just a visit to his sister, but fate had greater plans. There, he met the love of his life, Alma Carolyn Nesbitt, who would become his wife and partner of 60 years.

Bill graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in El Dorado and went on to attend Grambling State University. He later earned a B.A. in Business and Marketing from Indiana University South Bend. One of his fondest memories was playing professional/show basketball alongside his legendary uncle, Reece “Goose” Tatum, with the Harlem Road Kings—a chapter of his life he recounted with pride and joy, often showing off ball tricks.

His calling, however, was in service to young people. Bill dedicated his career to youth development, education, and community leadership. He served as director of LaSalle Park Recreation Center (now the Charles Black Center), an interim teacher at Jackson Middle School, and director of the Teen 2000 Youth Employment Program at Youth Service Bureau. He spent many impactful years with the Workforce Development Center (WDS), where he led youth employment efforts across St. Joseph, Marshall, Elkhart, and Kosciusko counties. Few things brought him more joy than hearing former students share how his guidance had shaped their lives—a legacy that moved both him and Alma deeply.

For more than 25 years, Bill was a proud usher at University of Notre Dame football games, eventually serving as supervisor of the spirited student section, which he often declared “the best and most important.” His community involvement included chairing the Hansel Center Board of Directors, serving as a life member of the NAACP, and offering faithful service as a Trustee and lead usher at Olivet AME Church. He was also a former member of St. Peter’s Masonic Lodge #31 and the Martin Luther King Men’s Club.

After retiring, Bill and Alma embraced their love of travel, spending winters in Florida golfing, enjoying long evenings of card games and laughter with friends. A highlight of their travels was a deeply meaningful trip to the east coast of Africa. Bill also never missed a family reunion—he was an enthusiastic planner and participant, recently celebrating his 86th birthday with a joyful family gathering in August.

Above all, Bill was a devoted husband and a proud father. He often said his greatest accomplishments were his children: Brian Powell of South Bend, Indiana, and Alicia Powell of Yonkers, New York. He is survived by his beloved wife, Alma Carolyn Powell, and his siblings: Shirley McDaniel and Reece (Margaret) Powell of El Dorado, AR, and Michael (Kim) Powell of Poway, CA. He was preceded in death by his sister, John Evelyn Dickerson, and brother, Joe Lathan Powell. He is revered by several nieces and nephews in AR, CA, CO, IL, IN, NC and TX and godchildren Che Bohannon Glover, Manassas, VA and Linda Lane Hampton, Niles, MI.

The family expresses profound gratitude to “the best caregivers in the world,” Emma (Sue) James and Kenny Alexander, whose love and care made all the difference. Special thanks also go to Dr. Ngan Van and Dr. Shaya Mokfi for their dedicated medical support.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to the Bill and Alma Powell Scholarship Fund at Indiana University South Bend, Alumni Office, 1700 Mishawaka, Avenue, South Bend, IN 46615 or Olivet Church Youth Programming, 719 N. Notre Dame Ave. South Bend, IN 46617. Services will be held at Olivet A.M.E. Church on Monday, October 20 at 11:00. The family will receive visitors from 10:00-11:00.

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