Joseph Benjamin Powell died Tuesday due to heart complications. He was 73. Joe was born in Decatur, Alabama to parents Newton Benjamin Powell and Myrtis Newman Powell. He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Phillip Powell.
He attended the University of North Alabama and Athens State University before receiving his Juris Doctor at Samford University. Joe worked as a criminal defense attorney in Decatur for most of his life.
The Powell family has practiced law in Decatur for generations and Joe’s legal calling was to resolve the issues for the common person. For decades, his small office at 247 Moulton Street served as a staple for those seeking representation and resolution. He felt that he not only gave voice to those in need, but also lent an ear to them as well. He once described his role as a defense attorney as, “I’m just a poor man’s psychiatrist.”
Joe stated on many occasions, ‘I’m not your typical lawyer’ and his life reflected his eclectic love of nature, music, and local history. His interests throughout his life ranged from skydiving to photography to traveling. He always had a truck or a motorcycle and rode the country backroads searching only for the rural beauty that surrounded him. He loved the river and photographing wildflowers and horizons. As a lifelong Democrat, he enjoyed talking politics and weighing in on the impacts of laws on everyday people. Wherever he went, he always smiled and knew everyone. A country lawyer with a good heart, he will forever be remembered as ‘Good Ol’ Joe’ by those who knew and loved him.
Joe is survived by his two sons, Joseph “Jody” Benjamin Powell II and Lucas Butler Powell, his step-daughters, Alana Thompson and Kara Sparkman, as well as many family and friends.
A graveside ceremony will be held at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery, Saturday, July 2nd at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Tennessee Valley Outreach or to a charity of your choice.
