Jeffrey “Jeff” Wayne Powell, age 51, of Rockwall, TX, passed away on August 23, 2020. He was born December 28, 1968, at Perrin AFB, Sherman, TX, to Lt. Thomas Stokes Powell and Louise (Stuart) Powell. For many years, he was Head of Security at Vista Ridge Mall and an account manager for Xerox Corp./GE before he transitioned into technology in education. Jeff attended Richland College where he received his Associate Degree before continuing his studies at the University of North Texas. In college, he was a sought-after DJ for all types of celebrations, including weekly “Friday Night Live” events. Jeff was self-taught on many subjects. He loved all aspects of technology and was a gadget-guy. He taught computer classes at Ashley Elementary in Frisco ISD during the early days of computer education. Jeff later advanced to the IT Manager position at Harmony Science Academy and consulted within the Harmony School System. He was a proud Texan and loved movies, especially science fiction. His presence will be deeply missed.
Jeff is survived by: his mother Louise Merritt and step-father Paul C. Merritt; sister Teresa Powell; step-siblings Craig Merritt, Ron Merritt and wife Kasi, Brett Merritt and wife Loya, & Audra Merritt Dean and husband Reggie. Nephews & nieces: Cody Merritt, Chad Merritt and wife Emily; Scooter Merritt, Brady Van Bevers and wife Riley, Kolby Van Bevers, Jackson Van Bevers; Callie Merritt, Cale Merritt; and Brynlie Dean. Aunts & uncles: Dellene Powell Burgamy, Juliaann Powell Foster and husband Steve; Bobby Stuart and wife Kay, Joe Stuart and wife Sandra, & Betty Stuart Stephenson. Cousins: Greg Burgamy and wife Julie (Ashley Burgamy Eaton and husband Daniel, Thomas & Maren Eaton) (Todd Burgamy and wife Lexi), Brad Burgamy; Jon Foster and wife Kimberly (Abby, Zach, & Ally), Jason Foster, Stephanie Foster Dunahoe and husband Vance (Caleb & Ela); Janice Stuart Harvey and husband Mike (Amanda & Allison), Jill Stuart Robinson (Dylan & Blake); Scott Stuart and wife April (Aubrey, Isaac, & Bekah), Keith Stuart and wife Serena (Lilyana & Xander); Chad Stephenson and wife Miranda (Jennifer & Jessica); and many more cousins and great friends.
He was preceded in death by his father Capt. Thomas S. Powell, a US Army helicopter pilot who was KIA in 1972 near Pleiku, South Vietnam; and grandparents Sam Odell and Mattielene Saffell Powell, and George W. and Thelma Jay Stuart.
Jeff lost his long hard fight with cancer, but he fought it with determination and strength until the end.
With consideration to safety measures for Covid concerns, the service will be held graveside at Rest Haven Memorial Park in Rockwall, Texas.
Donations can be made in Jeff’s memory to the Media Communications fund at First Baptist Church-Rockwall (610 S. Goliad St., Rockwall, TX 75087), the church home where Jeff was baptized and grew up.
