Rivers Lodge Waldran Powell, age 90, departed this earthly life on September 14, 2026, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in New Albany, Mississippi.
Funeral services honoring the life of Mr. Powell will be held at 2 PM Thursday, September 17, 2026, in the Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home, with military honors rendered in the chapel. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service, at 1 PM. Burial will follow in Tippah Memorial Gardens, with no graveside service.
Born June 30, 1936, in Memphis, Tennessee, Mr. Powell was the son of the late William Powell and Rivers Lodge Powell. He was a graduate of Catholic High School in Memphis and continued his education at Memphis State University.
Answering the call to serve his nation, Mr. Powell proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam Conflict. Throughout his military career, he served as an aircraft mechanic and flight engineer—roles that reflected his lifelong passion for aviation.
In November of 1975, he married his beloved wife, Frances Colson Powell, who survives. Following his military service, Mr. Powell continued his work in aviation as a master mechanic, and the owner and operator of Arkansas Aeronautics Accessories. Aircraft were much more than a profession to him; they remained one of the great interests of his life. He always enjoyed sharing stories of his military service and talking about aircraft, aviation, and nearly anything connected to flying.
Mr. Powell could be described as a straight shooter, someone who minded his own business, took care of what needed to be done, and never felt the need to complicate life. His legacy of hard work, devoted service to his country, love and care for his family, and faithfulness to his friends will be remembered by all who knew him.
In addition to his wife, memories of Mr. Powell will continue to be cherished by his two daughters, Paulla Boone (Russell) and Allecia Powell; two stepsons, Marty Bingham and John Bingham; his best friend and colleague, Ernie Quiles (Norma); and his grandchildren, Erica Holbrook, Olivia Bingham, Aaron Bingham, Christian Bingham, Emma Bingham, and Alexandria Guidangen. He also leaves behind many close friends and extended family members.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Powell was preceded in death by his stepdaughter, Vicki Hedrick, and his grandson, Braydon Bingham.
Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share your memories with the Powell family.
