William "Bill" or "Harvey" Powell

Funeral Services at First Baptist Church, Temple, OK on Friday, March 22, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., Rev. Kevin Simpson and Rev. Roger Snow officiating. Interment with Military Honors at the Walters Cemetery, Walters, OK under the direction of Hart-Wyatt Funeral Home in Walters. Memorial Donations can be made to Wounded Warriors. 

Ret. First Sergeant William Harvey Powell, aka “Bill” or “Harvey,” was born November 14, 1946 in Lampasas, TX and departed this life in Temple, OK on March 18, 2024 at the age of 77 years, 4 months and 4 days.

Bill was adopted at age 6 by Robert & Eula (Fisher) Powell in Walters, OK. He grew up mainly in Lawton attending the schools of Roosevelt, Central Junior High and Lawton High School, graduating from LHS in 1965. He married Melinda “Mindy” Plum and to the union a son, William Thomas Powell, was born. 

Bill entered the U.S. Army in 1965 serving his country honorably with 2 tours to Germany during Vietnam. He reached the distinction of First Sergeant during his 23-year career during which he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Valorous Unit Award, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Infantry Badge, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation w/palm, Parachute Badge and Marksman Qualification Badge (M16). 

Following his discharge, he attended junior college in Yakima, WA, receiving an associate degree. Bill eventually made his way to Selah, WA where he coached girls basketball and softball, as well as boys baseball. His favorite sport to coach was softball, reaching the state tournament 12 times. He also served as a chemical dependency counselor and was quoted to say, “you sure do enjoy the few successes.”

In November of 2011 he moved to Walters, OK. He married Sandra Kay (Briscoe) Fisher on August 11, 2012 at Union Valley Baptist Church, Cookietown, OK. 

Through the years Bill was active with Kiwanis, serving as President of the Yakima Club. Sports were his thing and he also enjoyed working in the yard. He and Sandy loved making day and weekend trips. They enjoyed attending church together, worshipping in several area churches. He was an active member of First Baptist Church in Temple.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife Sandy of the home; his son, William Thomas Powell of Post Falls, ID; his mother-in-law, Dorothy Briscoe of Walters; his sister-in-law, Beverly Williams and Larry of Walters; special cousins, Pat Fisher, Brian Fisher and Karla Eschiti all of Walters. Bill inherited 2 stepdaughters, Sherry Renee Carter and Chad Bailey, Stephanie Kay Peters and James Peters; 5 grandchildren, Christopher Norman, Casey Taylor, Andrew Norman, Peyton Gibson, and Ronald Carter; 7 great grandchildren, Avery Taylor, Lakely Taylor, Christopher Lynn Norman Jr., Bethany Norman, Marshall Norman, Addison Norman and Tom Gibson, along with twins to arrive in June, Madilynn and Clayton Norman; other relatives and friends.