Ralph Vernon Powell Sr.

Funeral service celebrating the life of Mr. Ralph Vernon Powell Sr. of Rayville was held Friday, August 20, 2021, in the chapel of Griffin Funeral Home, 911 Warren Drive, West Monroe, with Pastor Paul Laird officiating.

Interment followed with military honors at the Rayville Masonic Cemetery, under the direction of Griffin Funeral Home.

Ralph was born December 10, 1926, and passed from this life August 13, 2021, at his home in Richland Parish at the age of 94.

He graduated in 1943 from Rayville High School. Ralph proudly farmed for over 65 years in Holly Ridge and Richland Parish. Ralph was a World War II Navy veteran who served on the USS Wileman DE 22 Warship. 

His World War II military awards include the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon 1-star, American Area Ribbon, Victory Ribbon, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon 1-star. 

Ralph was also a member of the Rayville Masonic Lodge, R.F. McGuire #209 and veteran of foreign wars for over 60 years.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Vernon Powell and Mary Claire Reduss; wife of 66 years, Barbara Wynn Powell; children, Janis Williams Guyton, Mark Wynn Powell, Penny Virginia Powell and Ralph Vernon Powell Jr.

Those left to cherish his memory include his sons, David Wayne (Kristen) Powell of Las Vegas, NV, and Benny Vernon Powell of Terrell, TX; grandchildren, Joseph Lorin Williams, Brandon Powell, Amber Powell Forster; step-grandchildren, Chad Guyton, and Tommy Guyton; great-grandchildren, Mona Forster, Katelyn Forster, Douglas Forster, Jr., Alexander Forster and Sophia Forster, Christopher Williams and Katherine Williams; brother-in-law, Bill Wynn of Monroe; also survived by several nieces, nephews and a host of extended family and friends.

Pallbearers include Roy Franklin, Nick Salsbury, David Powell, Benny Powell, Joseph Williams and Tommy Guyton.

Honorary pallbearer will be Ray Antley, Tommy Cannon, Ralph Cheeks, Bennie Love, Trent Drane, Bibb Franklin, Fred Scott Franklin and all friends that were part of his life.