Byron Powers passed away peacefully September 8, 2021. He was born March 7, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan, to Miriam and Leland Powers.
Byron was a true patriot, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a great friend to all. He was an active member of the Huntsville Botanical Garden and the Huntsville Athletic Club for many years, where he especially enjoyed playing doubles tennis.
His work as a career Army officer supporting programs such as M113, Roland, and as head of TOW missile contributed to the defense of our nation. Byron lived to his military code, demonstrating honor and integrity while treating with all respect and honesty.
Byron graduated from Central Michigan University after completing ROTC and entered the Army Officer Corps. He served at many posts, including twice in Germany and Vietnam. He served in multiple roles including company commander, battalion commander, and head of the TOW Missile Program office. During his service he completed Command and General Staff College and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and achieved the rank of full Colonel. He also earned a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, where he became a lifelong fan of the Crimson Tide.
Byron loved to travel, especially within the United States. Following his retirement from the Army, he and wife Wilma took a year to explore the country by RV with their cat Bear. Initially settling in Niceville, Florida, Byron moved back to Huntsville to head the local office of TASC, where he worked for several years before retiring a second, and final time.
Byron was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Wilma Powers. He is survived by his daughter, Christine Teague; his two sons, Steve and Scott Powers; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 1 to 1:45 p.m. Saturday, September 18th at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 2 p.m. at Maple Hill Cemetery with Earl Freeman from Aldersgate United Methodist officiating. The family kindly requests that attendees wear a mask.
Friends wishing to commemorate Byron’s life may contribute to the Parkinson’s Foundation or to the Huntsville Botanical Garden.
