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1931 – 2022

Eugene “Gene” Talmadge Powell, 90, of West Point, Georgia, passed away at home on the morning of June 23, 2022, in the presence of his son and daughter-in-law.

Gene was born July 14, 1931, in Millen, Georgia to M.L. Powell and Mattie Oglesby. The 11th of 13 children, Gene spent his childhood growing up on his family’s South Georgia farm. Upon completing high school, Gene followed in many of his brothers’ footsteps and enlisted in the Navy. Gene served his country during the Korean Conflict. It was during his time in the Navy that Gene became familiar with the Christian organization called the Navigators.

The Navigators is a world-wide parachurch organization that focuses on the sharing of Jesus Christ and the training of Christians to train others to share the good news of the gospel. Upon leaving the Navy, Gene began his life-long journey as a Navigator representative, serving with this organization for over 50 years.

Through the course of a few years serving with the Navigators around the world, Gene met his bride-to-be, Linda Jo Hamma. They corresponded through letters as they courted in preparation for marriage. They were married in July of 1964. They served together with The Navigators for almost 60 years. Gene and Linda worked in the Church Discipleship Ministry dedicated to the mission found in Colossians 2:7 until they retired in 2020. Gene devoted his life to discipleship and sharing the gospel with everyone he encountered.

In retirement, he spent his time continuing to minister to those around him, whether that was family or lifelong friendships.

Gene enjoyed hunting and especially fishing, even up to the last year of his life. Gene lived his last years resting in his home suite with his son and daughter-in-law overlooking the rolling hills of pastureland. Together with his bride, Gene reclined on his back porch gazing at the friendly cows who greeted him daily. The past year brought Gene his only two great-grandchildren, which he cherished. 

Gene is survived by his children: Shelley Powell Patterson (Ben), Shannon Powell (April), and Steven Powell (Emilee). His grandchildren (who called him Paw Gene and MiMi) include Georgia Rose Patterson, Jack Henry Patterson, Allie Mae Powell, Hannah Malynn Oswald (Jacob), Hudson Lane Powell (Angela), Miranda Elizabeth Powell, Phoenix Sheffield Powell, and Archer Andrew Powell. His great-grandchildren are Hendrix Daniel Oswald and Eden Elise Powell. He was preceded in death by his wife of almost 58 years.

Funeral services will be held 6 p.m. Thursday, June 30, 2022, in the Chapel of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary in LaGrange, Georgia. The Graveside Service will be held at 11 a.m. (EST) Friday, July 1, 2022, at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery in Ft. Mitchell, Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the non-profit mission organization: The Navigators P.O. Box 6000 Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80934.

Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com.

Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, Georgia, 30240, (706) 884-8636.