REID POWELL 1925-2000
___________________________________________________________
Alvah Reid Powell was born at 8:25 a.m., Saturday morning, the 8th of August 1925, the eleventh and last child of Rev. Alvah Roy and Mattie Martin Powell.
On the day of his birth, Reid Powell had siblings and cousins of an age to be his parents. As the youngest in a large family, Reid found plenty of guidance and love among his brothers and sisters.
Reid Powell was fortunate to spend his boyhood in the bucolic, fertile farm region of Berrien Co., Ga. He quickly found his passion for agriculture and stewardship of natural resources on the Powell family farm southwest of Nashville, Ga., a following that he pursued professionally, and avocationally, his entire life. He and his older brother, Wilbur, were the working hands and ploughmen for their aging father, Rev. A. R. Powell, Reid's namesake.
Reid received his primary school education in Nashville, Berrien Co., Ga. about the time the school district transitioned from one-room rural schools to a centralized system. His older cousin, Whitlow H. Powell, was the Principal of the school. Reid was almost finished with the fourth grade when his father accepted the call to preach at Greenville, Fla.
With the help of a number of the church brethren from Greenville, the Powells established themselves at the "Thompson Place" on the Perry Highway, just south of Greenville, proper. Reid later noted that on one of the trips down, his father Rev. Powell, had to make numerous stops with his 1925 Model T truck to round up chickens that attempted escape, apparently not wishing to become associated with Floridian fowl. This procession must have been quite an adventure for Reid Powell, a boy of nine.
Once situated in Greenville, the Powells rapidly integrated themselves into the fabric of life there. Reid began the 5th grade at Greenville Elementary School in the Fall and continued his education through High School, where he graduated at the top of his class. During his school years, Reid was active in 4H, Future Farmers of America, was Vice-President of his Junior Class and was on the basketball team that won second place in the state championship series his Senior year.
Some of Reid's teachers taught for decades at Greenville High School. Years later, as gray haired matrons, they taught Reid's neices and nephews and remembered him to them as one of the kindest & happiest boys they knew.
Reid graduated from Greenville High School in 1943, during the height of World War II. His was later dubbed "The Greatest Generation", many of whom came from rural towns like Greenville, Fla. A number of Reid's classmates enlisted directly after school and went to far off postings in Europe and the South Pacific.
Boys, like Reid Powell, just out of high school from small towns across America, were the ones who stormed, swoopstake and cropneck, onto Omaha and Utah beaches at Normandy, France on 6 June 1944 during Operation Overlord. They were the Rangers who scaled the cliffs at Pont du Hoc, and the paratroopers who jumped behind enemy lines at Ste. Mere Eglise. They were the fresh-faced boys who charged headlong into withering fire on the unheard of foreign shores at Bougainville, Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Iwo Jima and Okinawa in the Pacific campaign.
The clarion call to duty that this generation solemnly answered inscribed it's devotion to justice, writ large in blood, on the enemy's breast. Their page in history was earmarked with an M1 Garand carbine and a bayonet.
Reid answered the call in the Summer of 1943, enlisting in the U.S. Navy for a two year tour of duty. His older brother, Wilbur Powell, had been drafted in January, 1943, and was already serving in combat overseas with the U.S. Army Air Corps. Basic training was conducted at the Naval Training Command at Orlando, followed by specialized medical training in radiology. After MOS training, Reid Powell was assigned permanent party at Pensacola Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Fla. until 1945.
U.S. Navy records show that Reid Powell was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the World War Two Victory Medal and the American Campaign Ribbon.
After Reid ETS'd from the U.S. Navy, he took full advantage of the GI Bill and enrolled at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Fla. In 1949, Reid was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural and Life Science, with a major in Soil Science (University of Florida Alum #5335328), having completed this rigorous course of study in only three years.
After graduation, Reid accepted a position with the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a Soil Conservationist, a career that continued for over 30 years with postings in several districts: Duval County (Jacksonville), Alachua County (Gainesville), Lafayette County (Mayo) and Jackson County (Marianna.)
During his tenure at one of these postings, Reid had the good fortune to earn the affection of Catherina "Tina" Wintersdorf. After an extended courtship, Reid and Tina wed on July 10, 1957 in Lake County, Florida.
Aunt Tina had her work cut out for her, marrying into a large, tight-knit family, all of whom were protective of their baby brother, Reid. The Powell women, whether sister or sister-in-law, wielded cooking skills that would make Paula Deen flee the kitchen in terror. Tina's association with the Powells was nearly akin to earning membership in a street gang. But, Tina Powell had true grit and was equal to the daunting task, rapidly earning the love and respect of all in the family.
The union of Reid Powell and Tina Wintersdorf was blessed with two children:
1. WILLIAM (MARK) MARTIN POWELL.
2. SUSAN GAIL POWELL.
Around the time that Reid graduated from the University of Florida, two tragedies befell the Powell family. Older brother James Q. Powell, who suffered from disabilities related to polio contracted in the 1920's, was struck and killed by a car in front of the Powell home in Greenville, Fla. in 1951.
Shortly thereafter, in 1953, the family lost it's venerable patriarch, Rev. A.R. Powell. He died peacefully in his sleep, in Greenville at the home of his son, Wilbur Powell. Rev. Powell's health, eyesight and mental capacity waned rapidly in his later years.
Once, when Rev. Powell suffered from a cold, Dr. Loomis King came out to the house and prescribed a concoction of honey and whiskey to soothe the Preacher's throat. Rev. Powell received the medicine gladly, noting that "it was mighty tasty." If the Rev'd had the visual acuity to observe the Doctor pour from Wilbur's flask, his abstemious convictions might have led him to a different conclusion.
Dr. King administered the same remedy to this writer as an infant some few years later. When summoned, the Dr. directed Wilbur to "go to the kitchen where you keep that flask in the sugar jar", whereupon, the country doctor mixed his medicinal wares and Wilbur's combustibles to good effect. The child survived.
Rev. Powell often preached temperance from the pulpit in Greenville, having been a crusader during the Prohibition era of the 1920's. On one occasion, when he declared that all vile intoxicants should be taken to the river and poured out, he was chagrined when, his choir director selected "Shall We Gather At The River" as the concluding hymn.
Wilbur's wife once noted that during the latter years of Rev. Powell's life, she had to be careful to push chairs under the table lest she find Rev. Powell mounting his "stump" to deliver a sermon to his illusory congregation, harkening back to his early days as a brush arbor preacher in South Georgia at the turn of the century.
Rev. Powell's obituary was published in the Madison, Fla. newspaper:
"A. R. Powell, age 74, died Friday June 19th at his home in Greenville. Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Mattie E. Powell, of Greenville; three sons, C. W., of Moultrie; J. W., of Greenville; and Alva Reid Powell, of Mayo; six daughters, Mrs. Marion Register, of Norman Park, GA; Mrs. E. C. Bostick and Mrs. Ralph Wills, both of Moultrie; Mrs. Cecil Brannen, of Greenville; Mrs. Jim West, of Macon; and Mrs. Wesley Holland, of Bartow. Funeral services were held Saturday in the First Baptist Church of Greenville with interment in Evergreen Cemetery."
During the decade of the 1950's, Reid Powell's career flourished. In 1957, the Directory of Organization and Field Activities of the Department of Agriculture listed "A. Reid Powell" in the Mayo (Lafayette County) office with his duties described as "technical assistance to the Lafayette Soil Conservation District."
Reid Powell continued to serve with distinction in his capacity as a Soil Scientist, often involving himself in multifacted projects which affected the utilization of natural resources, as noted in this newspaper article from the Flagler Tribune, x Thursday, May 2, 1963: "Additional engineering surveys got underway the past week on the Haw Creek Watershed. The Watershed Planning Party out of Gainesville is in charge of the work. Civil Engineer Bob Jessey and [Soil Conservationist] Reid Powell, also of the Watershed Planning Party, have been gathering additional information for the final planning phase. The Watershed Committee, representing every phase of agriculture in the Watershed, has been formed to work with the Soil Conservation Service in working up the plans for the Watershed."
Reid's expert opinion was sought in the selection of the Outstanding Conservationist of Duval County in 1961, Mr. J.E. Davis, Chairman of the Board of Winn-Dixie Stores, as noted in the Jacksonville Daily Record, "Soil Conservationist Reid Powell said Davis had maintained a rigorous conservation program for all types of wildlife on acreage he owned in southeast Duval County. This includes selection and planting of feed crops for quail, turkey, deer and ducks. Cover is provided where needed. Game protection is also well maintained. These three factors - food, cover and protection - are fundamental to a good wildlife program, Powell said."
Tina Powell was also active in supporting her husband's career, as indicated by this note in the Gainesville Sun, x Sunday, 22 November 1964: "Club Coffee Given By Trio. Mrs. D.E. Alcorn, Mrs. Reid Powell, and Mrs. W.H. Buckhannon were hostesses at a coffee given recently for members of he Soil Conservation Wives Club at the Alcorn residence. Mrs. Howard Rissland, President, poured coffee. Members displayed Christmas handiwork and decorations."
Tina Powell later served as President of this organization. Tina also taught at various schools where the family was posted and was active in a number of community and church activities. The 1959 & 1960 city directory of Jacksonville, Florida shows Cathrina Powell as a teacher at Southside Estates Elementary School. She and Reid lived at 2236 W. Lou Drive.
At one point in Reid's career, he received the "Safe Driver" award for his district. Wife Tina did not think Reid's superiors had made a wise selection. Her perspective seemed to be validated, on one occasion, when Reid backed into a pine tree at Wilbur Powell's house in Greenville. The pine tree survived. The bumper did not.
Tina never let him live that down, vowing to turn the plaque in once they got back home. Reid seemed to suffer these slings and arrows with poise and a healthy sense of self-deprecation, perhaps secretly enjoying his wife's teasing affection.
During their last posting in Marianna, Fla., Reid and Tina prepared for the next phase of their lives after Reid's retirement from the Department of Agriculture, by putting down deep roots in the community. Reid bought land and had a new home built, which he contracted himself, an undertaking he would never attempt again, as this writer once overheard Reid say. The Powells were active at the First Baptist Church in Marianna, serving in lay capacities on various committees and, at least once, traveling to Honduras on a church mission.
Reid Powell was fiercely loyal to family. He made certain that his parent's needs were met in their old age. When brother, Wilbur, fell ill, Reid was constantly attendant to the needs of his brother's family. After Wilbur passed on, and his oldest son was leaving for college in New York, Reid insisted on purchasing his nephew's airfare during his first year away and generously offered a stipend for books and uniforms. Reid, his daughter Susan Gail, and other family members attended the nephew's graduation four years later. When Reid's widowed sister began to suffer from the ill effects of Alzheimer's, Reid provided constant care for her at a local elder facility.
Reid involved himself in several charitable projects, notably as a founding partner in the West Florida Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc., a non-profit organization with a focus on maintaining balance between the utilization of local resources and economic opportunities. Reid was an active proponent of the Jackson County Empowerment Zone and an ombudsman for local farmers and growers with various agencies. Reid and Tina established the Reid and Tina Powell Scholarship Fund, in association with the Chipola College Foundation to provide educational opportunities for local aspiring students. Reid was also active in the Chipola Gator Club.
Reid founded and operated Powell Tree Farm near Sneads, Fla., a property on which he grew a variety of Christmas trees, to include the highly prized Leyland Cypress variety, as well as a large plantation of short leaf pines. He also maintained a commercial catfish operation on one of his lakes and a small-scale vineyard. Reid's son, Mark Powell, continues to operate the Powell Tree Farm.
Reid Powell was an avid fisherman and hunter. His older brother, Wilbur, thirteen years his senior, taught Reid well. This writer had the same teacher. Reid was always game for a trip to the coast to snatch-hook mullet. He would gladly travel great distances for a plate full of fried mullet, roe, hush puppies and grits with red-eye gravy.
The writer of this biography was once invited to hunt ducks with Reid on his Sneads property. We set up a blind earlier in the day and came back as dusk fell. Just as it was getting too dark to see, a brace of mallards flew in from the rear, quick and low, just over our heads. I got the first shot off, and Reid followed quickly with a second. We heard one duck splash. We weren't sure whose bird it was but before I could put my shotgun down, Reid was stripping down to his skivvies to retrieve the duck. I can not say whether he was trying to beat me to the kill or save me the trouble to get at it. It was a cold November day and, needless to say, the water had to be quite enervating. I would have gladly ceded rights to the kill just to avoid going in.
But that would not do for Reid Powell. He set out on the pond with alacrity, explaining that if we did not get to the duck quickly enough, it would hide among the lily pads and cypress knees in the lake, particularly if it was only winged. He disappeared into the darkness, dog-paddling and splashing about for some few minutes. At one point in the search, I thought the duck might best him. I had begun to untie boots and loosen clothing to assist, if needed, but really did not relish the thought of braving the cold waters to contend with a wounded, bellicose duck. I had already relegated us to suffer the same fate as the fabled huntsmen in the John Denver song, who "took two shots, got no ducks and cold, cold hands."
Happily, though, Reid reemerged moments later, dog-paddling to shore with our duck... in his mouth. Truly a "Kodak moment." I recall we both laughed heartily when I pointed out that there was no need for a labrador retriever when you've got a Navy man around.
Reid's passion was good stewardship over the natural resources that God has given us. Reid devoted all of life to His service. Those of us who watched this kind, soft spoken, humble man from afar know his was a life worthy and well-lived.
"Well done, thou good and faithful servant."
___________________________________________________________
Reid Powell's funeral notice:
In Loving Memory
A. REID POWELL
Born August 8, 1925
Passed Away March 20, 2001
Services Held At First Baptist Church of Marianna
March 22, 2001, 3:00 p.m.
Conducted by Pastor Michael Petty & Dr. Shuford Davis
Arrangements by Marianna Chapel Funeral Home
Now the laborer's task is o'er;
Now the battle day is past;
Now upon the farther shore
Lands the voyager, at last.
Father, in thy gracious keeping,
Leave me now thy servant sleeping.
Earth to earth and dust to dust,
Calmly now, the words we say,
Left behind, we wait in trust,
For the resurrection day.
Father, in thy gracious keeping,
Leave me now thy servant sleeping.
___________________________________________________________
U.S. Census, 1930, Lake Co., FL:
William Wintersdorf age 56 born Luxembourg
Kathalina Wintersdorf age 31
William Wintersdorf age 2
Clara Wintersdorf age 1
Katherine Wintersdorf age 3 months
The father William Wintersdorf immigrated to the U.S. in 1892 and the mother, Kathalina, immigrated in 1926.
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
Alvah Reid Powell was born at 8:25 a.m., Saturday morning, the 8th of August 1925, the eleventh and last child of Rev. Alvah Roy and Mattie Martin Powell.
On the day of his birth, Reid Powell had siblings and cousins of an age to be his parents. As the youngest in a large family, Reid found plenty of guidance and love among his brothers and sisters.
Reid Powell was fortunate to spend his boyhood in the bucolic, fertile farm region of Berrien Co., Ga. He quickly found his passion for agriculture and stewardship of natural resources on the Powell family farm southwest of Nashville, Ga., a following that he pursued professionally, and avocationally, his entire life. He and his older brother, Wilbur, were the working hands and ploughmen for their aging father, Rev. A. R. Powell, Reid's namesake.
Reid received his primary school education in Nashville, Berrien Co., Ga. about the time the school district transitioned from one-room rural schools to a centralized system. His older cousin, Whitlow H. Powell, was the Principal of the school. Reid was almost finished with the fourth grade when his father accepted the call to preach at Greenville, Fla.
With the help of a number of the church brethren from Greenville, the Powells established themselves at the "Thompson Place" on the Perry Highway, just south of Greenville, proper. Reid later noted that on one of the trips down, his father Rev. Powell, had to make numerous stops with his 1925 Model T truck to round up chickens that attempted escape, apparently not wishing to become associated with Floridian fowl. This procession must have been quite an adventure for Reid Powell, a boy of nine.
Once situated in Greenville, the Powells rapidly integrated themselves into the fabric of life there. Reid began the 5th grade at Greenville Elementary School in the Fall and continued his education through High School, where he graduated at the top of his class. During his school years, Reid was active in 4H, Future Farmers of America, was Vice-President of his Junior Class and was on the basketball team that won second place in the state championship series his Senior year.
Some of Reid's teachers taught for decades at Greenville High School. Years later, as gray haired matrons, they taught Reid's neices and nephews and remembered him to them as one of the kindest & happiest boys they knew.
Reid graduated from Greenville High School in 1943, during the height of World War II. His was later dubbed "The Greatest Generation", many of whom came from rural towns like Greenville, Fla. A number of Reid's classmates enlisted directly after school and went to far off postings in Europe and the South Pacific.
Boys, like Reid Powell, just out of high school from small towns across America, were the ones who stormed, swoopstake and cropneck, onto Omaha and Utah beaches at Normandy, France on 6 June 1944 during Operation Overlord. They were the Rangers who scaled the cliffs at Pont du Hoc, and the paratroopers who jumped behind enemy lines at Ste. Mere Eglise. They were the fresh-faced boys who charged headlong into withering fire on the unheard of foreign shores at Bougainville, Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Iwo Jima and Okinawa in the Pacific campaign.
The clarion call to duty that this generation solemnly answered inscribed it's devotion to justice, writ large in blood, on the enemy's breast. Their page in history was earmarked with an M1 Garand carbine and a bayonet.
Reid answered the call in the Summer of 1943, enlisting in the U.S. Navy for a two year tour of duty. His older brother, Wilbur Powell, had been drafted in January, 1943, and was already serving in combat overseas with the U.S. Army Air Corps. Basic training was conducted at the Naval Training Command at Orlando, followed by specialized medical training in radiology. After MOS training, Reid Powell was assigned permanent party at Pensacola Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Fla. until 1945.
U.S. Navy records show that Reid Powell was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the World War Two Victory Medal and the American Campaign Ribbon.
After Reid ETS'd from the U.S. Navy, he took full advantage of the GI Bill and enrolled at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Fla. In 1949, Reid was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural and Life Science, with a major in Soil Science (University of Florida Alum #5335328), having completed this rigorous course of study in only three years.
After graduation, Reid accepted a position with the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a Soil Conservationist, a career that continued for over 30 years with postings in several districts: Duval County (Jacksonville), Alachua County (Gainesville), Lafayette County (Mayo) and Jackson County (Marianna.)
During his tenure at one of these postings, Reid had the good fortune to earn the affection of Catherina "Tina" Wintersdorf. After an extended courtship, Reid and Tina wed on July 10, 1957 in Lake County, Florida.
Aunt Tina had her work cut out for her, marrying into a large, tight-knit family, all of whom were protective of their baby brother, Reid. The Powell women, whether sister or sister-in-law, wielded cooking skills that would make Paula Deen flee the kitchen in terror. Tina's association with the Powells was nearly akin to earning membership in a street gang. But, Tina Powell had true grit and was equal to the daunting task, rapidly earning the love and respect of all in the family.
The union of Reid Powell and Tina Wintersdorf was blessed with two children:
1. WILLIAM (MARK) MARTIN POWELL.
2. SUSAN GAIL POWELL.
Around the time that Reid graduated from the University of Florida, two tragedies befell the Powell family. Older brother James Q. Powell, who suffered from disabilities related to polio contracted in the 1920's, was struck and killed by a car in front of the Powell home in Greenville, Fla. in 1951.
Shortly thereafter, in 1953, the family lost it's venerable patriarch, Rev. A.R. Powell. He died peacefully in his sleep, in Greenville at the home of his son, Wilbur Powell. Rev. Powell's health, eyesight and mental capacity waned rapidly in his later years.
Once, when Rev. Powell suffered from a cold, Dr. Loomis King came out to the house and prescribed a concoction of honey and whiskey to soothe the Preacher's throat. Rev. Powell received the medicine gladly, noting that "it was mighty tasty." If the Rev'd had the visual acuity to observe the Doctor pour from Wilbur's flask, his abstemious convictions might have led him to a different conclusion.
Dr. King administered the same remedy to this writer as an infant some few years later. When summoned, the Dr. directed Wilbur to "go to the kitchen where you keep that flask in the sugar jar", whereupon, the country doctor mixed his medicinal wares and Wilbur's combustibles to good effect. The child survived.
Rev. Powell often preached temperance from the pulpit in Greenville, having been a crusader during the Prohibition era of the 1920's. On one occasion, when he declared that all vile intoxicants should be taken to the river and poured out, he was chagrined when, his choir director selected "Shall We Gather At The River" as the concluding hymn.
Wilbur's wife once noted that during the latter years of Rev. Powell's life, she had to be careful to push chairs under the table lest she find Rev. Powell mounting his "stump" to deliver a sermon to his illusory congregation, harkening back to his early days as a brush arbor preacher in South Georgia at the turn of the century.
Rev. Powell's obituary was published in the Madison, Fla. newspaper:
"A. R. Powell, age 74, died Friday June 19th at his home in Greenville. Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Mattie E. Powell, of Greenville; three sons, C. W., of Moultrie; J. W., of Greenville; and Alva Reid Powell, of Mayo; six daughters, Mrs. Marion Register, of Norman Park, GA; Mrs. E. C. Bostick and Mrs. Ralph Wills, both of Moultrie; Mrs. Cecil Brannen, of Greenville; Mrs. Jim West, of Macon; and Mrs. Wesley Holland, of Bartow. Funeral services were held Saturday in the First Baptist Church of Greenville with interment in Evergreen Cemetery."
During the decade of the 1950's, Reid Powell's career flourished. In 1957, the Directory of Organization and Field Activities of the Department of Agriculture listed "A. Reid Powell" in the Mayo (Lafayette County) office with his duties described as "technical assistance to the Lafayette Soil Conservation District."
Reid Powell continued to serve with distinction in his capacity as a Soil Scientist, often involving himself in multifacted projects which affected the utilization of natural resources, as noted in this newspaper article from the Flagler Tribune, x Thursday, May 2, 1963: "Additional engineering surveys got underway the past week on the Haw Creek Watershed. The Watershed Planning Party out of Gainesville is in charge of the work. Civil Engineer Bob Jessey and [Soil Conservationist] Reid Powell, also of the Watershed Planning Party, have been gathering additional information for the final planning phase. The Watershed Committee, representing every phase of agriculture in the Watershed, has been formed to work with the Soil Conservation Service in working up the plans for the Watershed."
Reid's expert opinion was sought in the selection of the Outstanding Conservationist of Duval County in 1961, Mr. J.E. Davis, Chairman of the Board of Winn-Dixie Stores, as noted in the Jacksonville Daily Record, "Soil Conservationist Reid Powell said Davis had maintained a rigorous conservation program for all types of wildlife on acreage he owned in southeast Duval County. This includes selection and planting of feed crops for quail, turkey, deer and ducks. Cover is provided where needed. Game protection is also well maintained. These three factors - food, cover and protection - are fundamental to a good wildlife program, Powell said."
Tina Powell was also active in supporting her husband's career, as indicated by this note in the Gainesville Sun, x Sunday, 22 November 1964: "Club Coffee Given By Trio. Mrs. D.E. Alcorn, Mrs. Reid Powell, and Mrs. W.H. Buckhannon were hostesses at a coffee given recently for members of he Soil Conservation Wives Club at the Alcorn residence. Mrs. Howard Rissland, President, poured coffee. Members displayed Christmas handiwork and decorations."
Tina Powell later served as President of this organization. Tina also taught at various schools where the family was posted and was active in a number of community and church activities. The 1959 & 1960 city directory of Jacksonville, Florida shows Cathrina Powell as a teacher at Southside Estates Elementary School. She and Reid lived at 2236 W. Lou Drive.
At one point in Reid's career, he received the "Safe Driver" award for his district. Wife Tina did not think Reid's superiors had made a wise selection. Her perspective seemed to be validated, on one occasion, when Reid backed into a pine tree at Wilbur Powell's house in Greenville. The pine tree survived. The bumper did not.
Tina never let him live that down, vowing to turn the plaque in once they got back home. Reid seemed to suffer these slings and arrows with poise and a healthy sense of self-deprecation, perhaps secretly enjoying his wife's teasing affection.
During their last posting in Marianna, Fla., Reid and Tina prepared for the next phase of their lives after Reid's retirement from the Department of Agriculture, by putting down deep roots in the community. Reid bought land and had a new home built, which he contracted himself, an undertaking he would never attempt again, as this writer once overheard Reid say. The Powells were active at the First Baptist Church in Marianna, serving in lay capacities on various committees and, at least once, traveling to Honduras on a church mission.
Reid Powell was fiercely loyal to family. He made certain that his parent's needs were met in their old age. When brother, Wilbur, fell ill, Reid was constantly attendant to the needs of his brother's family. After Wilbur passed on, and his oldest son was leaving for college in New York, Reid insisted on purchasing his nephew's airfare during his first year away and generously offered a stipend for books and uniforms. Reid, his daughter Susan Gail, and other family members attended the nephew's graduation four years later. When Reid's widowed sister began to suffer from the ill effects of Alzheimer's, Reid provided constant care for her at a local elder facility.
Reid involved himself in several charitable projects, notably as a founding partner in the West Florida Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc., a non-profit organization with a focus on maintaining balance between the utilization of local resources and economic opportunities. Reid was an active proponent of the Jackson County Empowerment Zone and an ombudsman for local farmers and growers with various agencies. Reid and Tina established the Reid and Tina Powell Scholarship Fund, in association with the Chipola College Foundation to provide educational opportunities for local aspiring students. Reid was also active in the Chipola Gator Club.
Reid founded and operated Powell Tree Farm near Sneads, Fla., a property on which he grew a variety of Christmas trees, to include the highly prized Leyland Cypress variety, as well as a large plantation of short leaf pines. He also maintained a commercial catfish operation on one of his lakes and a small-scale vineyard. Reid's son, Mark Powell, continues to operate the Powell Tree Farm.
Reid Powell was an avid fisherman and hunter. His older brother, Wilbur, thirteen years his senior, taught Reid well. This writer had the same teacher. Reid was always game for a trip to the coast to snatch-hook mullet. He would gladly travel great distances for a plate full of fried mullet, roe, hush puppies and grits with red-eye gravy.
The writer of this biography was once invited to hunt ducks with Reid on his Sneads property. We set up a blind earlier in the day and came back as dusk fell. Just as it was getting too dark to see, a brace of mallards flew in from the rear, quick and low, just over our heads. I got the first shot off, and Reid followed quickly with a second. We heard one duck splash. We weren't sure whose bird it was but before I could put my shotgun down, Reid was stripping down to his skivvies to retrieve the duck. I can not say whether he was trying to beat me to the kill or save me the trouble to get at it. It was a cold November day and, needless to say, the water had to be quite enervating. I would have gladly ceded rights to the kill just to avoid going in.
But that would not do for Reid Powell. He set out on the pond with alacrity, explaining that if we did not get to the duck quickly enough, it would hide among the lily pads and cypress knees in the lake, particularly if it was only winged. He disappeared into the darkness, dog-paddling and splashing about for some few minutes. At one point in the search, I thought the duck might best him. I had begun to untie boots and loosen clothing to assist, if needed, but really did not relish the thought of braving the cold waters to contend with a wounded, bellicose duck. I had already relegated us to suffer the same fate as the fabled huntsmen in the John Denver song, who "took two shots, got no ducks and cold, cold hands."
Happily, though, Reid reemerged moments later, dog-paddling to shore with our duck... in his mouth. Truly a "Kodak moment." I recall we both laughed heartily when I pointed out that there was no need for a labrador retriever when you've got a Navy man around.
Reid's passion was good stewardship over the natural resources that God has given us. Reid devoted all of life to His service. Those of us who watched this kind, soft spoken, humble man from afar know his was a life worthy and well-lived.
"Well done, thou good and faithful servant."
___________________________________________________________
Reid Powell's funeral notice:
In Loving Memory
A. REID POWELL
Born August 8, 1925
Passed Away March 20, 2001
Services Held At First Baptist Church of Marianna
March 22, 2001, 3:00 p.m.
Conducted by Pastor Michael Petty & Dr. Shuford Davis
Arrangements by Marianna Chapel Funeral Home
Now the laborer's task is o'er;
Now the battle day is past;
Now upon the farther shore
Lands the voyager, at last.
Father, in thy gracious keeping,
Leave me now thy servant sleeping.
Earth to earth and dust to dust,
Calmly now, the words we say,
Left behind, we wait in trust,
For the resurrection day.
Father, in thy gracious keeping,
Leave me now thy servant sleeping.
___________________________________________________________
U.S. Census, 1930, Lake Co., FL:
William Wintersdorf age 56 born Luxembourg
Kathalina Wintersdorf age 31
William Wintersdorf age 2
Clara Wintersdorf age 1
Katherine Wintersdorf age 3 months
The father William Wintersdorf immigrated to the U.S. in 1892 and the mother, Kathalina, immigrated in 1926.
___________________________________________________________
REID POWELL 1925-2000
___________________________________________________________
Alvah Reid Powell was born at 8:25 a.m., Saturday morning, the 8th of August 1925, the eleventh and last child of Rev. Alvah Roy and Mattie Martin Powell.
On the day of his birth, Reid Powell had siblings and cousins of an age to be his parents. As the youngest in a large family, Reid found plenty of guidance and love among his brothers and sisters.
Reid Powell was fortunate to spend his boyhood in the bucolic, fertile farm region of Berrien Co., Ga. He quickly found his passion for agriculture and stewardship of natural resources on the Powell family farm southwest of Nashville, Ga., a following that he pursued professionally, and avocationally, his entire life. He and his older brother, Wilbur, were the working hands and ploughmen for their aging father, Rev. A. R. Powell, Reid's namesake.
Reid received his primary school education in Nashville, Berrien Co., Ga. about the time the school district transitioned from one-room rural schools to a centralized system. His older cousin, Whitlow H. Powell, was the Principal of the school. Reid was almost finished with the fourth grade when his father accepted the call to preach at Greenville, Fla.
With the help of a number of the church brethren from Greenville, the Powells established themselves at the "Thompson Place" on the Perry Highway, just south of Greenville, proper. Reid later noted that on one of the trips down, his father Rev. Powell, had to make numerous stops with his 1925 Model T truck to round up chickens that attempted escape, apparently not wishing to become associated with Floridian fowl. This procession must have been quite an adventure for Reid Powell, a boy of nine.
Once situated in Greenville, the Powells rapidly integrated themselves into the fabric of life there. Reid began the 5th grade at Greenville Elementary School in the Fall and continued his education through High School, where he graduated at the top of his class. During his school years, Reid was active in 4H, Future Farmers of America, was Vice-President of his Junior Class and was on the basketball team that won second place in the state championship series his Senior year.
Some of Reid's teachers taught for decades at Greenville High School. Years later, as gray haired matrons, they taught Reid's neices and nephews and remembered him to them as one of the kindest & happiest boys they knew.
Reid graduated from Greenville High School in 1943, during the height of World War II. His was later dubbed "The Greatest Generation", many of whom came from rural towns like Greenville, Fla. A number of Reid's classmates enlisted directly after school and went to far off postings in Europe and the South Pacific.
Boys, like Reid Powell, just out of high school from small towns across America, were the ones who stormed, swoopstake and cropneck, onto Omaha and Utah beaches at Normandy, France on 6 June 1944 during Operation Overlord. They were the Rangers who scaled the cliffs at Pont du Hoc, and the paratroopers who jumped behind enemy lines at Ste. Mere Eglise. They were the fresh-faced boys who charged headlong into withering fire on the unheard of foreign shores at Bougainville, Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Iwo Jima and Okinawa in the Pacific campaign.
The clarion call to duty that this generation solemnly answered inscribed it's devotion to justice, writ large in blood, on the enemy's breast. Their page in history was earmarked with an M1 Garand carbine and a bayonet.
Reid answered the call in the Summer of 1943, enlisting in the U.S. Navy for a two year tour of duty. His older brother, Wilbur Powell, had been drafted in January, 1943, and was already serving in combat overseas with the U.S. Army Air Corps. Basic training was conducted at the Naval Training Command at Orlando, followed by specialized medical training in radiology. After MOS training, Reid Powell was assigned permanent party at Pensacola Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Fla. until 1945.
U.S. Navy records show that Reid Powell was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the World War Two Victory Medal and the American Campaign Ribbon.
After Reid ETS'd from the U.S. Navy, he took full advantage of the GI Bill and enrolled at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Fla. In 1949, Reid was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural and Life Science, with a major in Soil Science (University of Florida Alum #5335328), having completed this rigorous course of study in only three years.
After graduation, Reid accepted a position with the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a Soil Conservationist, a career that continued for over 30 years with postings in several districts: Duval County (Jacksonville), Alachua County (Gainesville), Lafayette County (Mayo) and Jackson County (Marianna.)
During his tenure at one of these postings, Reid had the good fortune to earn the affection of Catherina "Tina" Wintersdorf. After an extended courtship, Reid and Tina wed on July 10, 1957 in Lake County, Florida.
Aunt Tina had her work cut out for her, marrying into a large, tight-knit family, all of whom were protective of their baby brother, Reid. The Powell women, whether sister or sister-in-law, wielded cooking skills that would make Paula Deen flee the kitchen in terror. Tina's association with the Powells was nearly akin to earning membership in a street gang. But, Tina Powell had true grit and was equal to the daunting task, rapidly earning the love and respect of all in the family.
The union of Reid Powell and Tina Wintersdorf was blessed with two children:
1. WILLIAM (MARK) MARTIN POWELL.
2. SUSAN GAIL POWELL.
Around the time that Reid graduated from the University of Florida, two tragedies befell the Powell family. Older brother James Q. Powell, who suffered from disabilities related to polio contracted in the 1920's, was struck and killed by a car in front of the Powell home in Greenville, Fla. in 1951.
Shortly thereafter, in 1953, the family lost it's venerable patriarch, Rev. A.R. Powell. He died peacefully in his sleep, in Greenville at the home of his son, Wilbur Powell. Rev. Powell's health, eyesight and mental capacity waned rapidly in his later years.
Once, when Rev. Powell suffered from a cold, Dr. Loomis King came out to the house and prescribed a concoction of honey and whiskey to soothe the Preacher's throat. Rev. Powell received the medicine gladly, noting that "it was mighty tasty." If the Rev'd had the visual acuity to observe the Doctor pour from Wilbur's flask, his abstemious convictions might have led him to a different conclusion.
Dr. King administered the same remedy to this writer as an infant some few years later. When summoned, the Dr. directed Wilbur to "go to the kitchen where you keep that flask in the sugar jar", whereupon, the country doctor mixed his medicinal wares and Wilbur's combustibles to good effect. The child survived.
Rev. Powell often preached temperance from the pulpit in Greenville, having been a crusader during the Prohibition era of the 1920's. On one occasion, when he declared that all vile intoxicants should be taken to the river and poured out, he was chagrined when, his choir director selected "Shall We Gather At The River" as the concluding hymn.
Wilbur's wife once noted that during the latter years of Rev. Powell's life, she had to be careful to push chairs under the table lest she find Rev. Powell mounting his "stump" to deliver a sermon to his illusory congregation, harkening back to his early days as a brush arbor preacher in South Georgia at the turn of the century.
Rev. Powell's obituary was published in the Madison, Fla. newspaper:
"A. R. Powell, age 74, died Friday June 19th at his home in Greenville. Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Mattie E. Powell, of Greenville; three sons, C. W., of Moultrie; J. W., of Greenville; and Alva Reid Powell, of Mayo; six daughters, Mrs. Marion Register, of Norman Park, GA; Mrs. E. C. Bostick and Mrs. Ralph Wills, both of Moultrie; Mrs. Cecil Brannen, of Greenville; Mrs. Jim West, of Macon; and Mrs. Wesley Holland, of Bartow. Funeral services were held Saturday in the First Baptist Church of Greenville with interment in Evergreen Cemetery."
During the decade of the 1950's, Reid Powell's career flourished. In 1957, the Directory of Organization and Field Activities of the Department of Agriculture listed "A. Reid Powell" in the Mayo (Lafayette County) office with his duties described as "technical assistance to the Lafayette Soil Conservation District."
Reid Powell continued to serve with distinction in his capacity as a Soil Scientist, often involving himself in multifacted projects which affected the utilization of natural resources, as noted in this newspaper article from the Flagler Tribune, x Thursday, May 2, 1963: "Additional engineering surveys got underway the past week on the Haw Creek Watershed. The Watershed Planning Party out of Gainesville is in charge of the work. Civil Engineer Bob Jessey and [Soil Conservationist] Reid Powell, also of the Watershed Planning Party, have been gathering additional information for the final planning phase. The Watershed Committee, representing every phase of agriculture in the Watershed, has been formed to work with the Soil Conservation Service in working up the plans for the Watershed."
Reid's expert opinion was sought in the selection of the Outstanding Conservationist of Duval County in 1961, Mr. J.E. Davis, Chairman of the Board of Winn-Dixie Stores, as noted in the Jacksonville Daily Record, "Soil Conservationist Reid Powell said Davis had maintained a rigorous conservation program for all types of wildlife on acreage he owned in southeast Duval County. This includes selection and planting of feed crops for quail, turkey, deer and ducks. Cover is provided where needed. Game protection is also well maintained. These three factors - food, cover and protection - are fundamental to a good wildlife program, Powell said."
Tina Powell was also active in supporting her husband's career, as indicated by this note in the Gainesville Sun, x Sunday, 22 November 1964: "Club Coffee Given By Trio. Mrs. D.E. Alcorn, Mrs. Reid Powell, and Mrs. W.H. Buckhannon were hostesses at a coffee given recently for members of he Soil Conservation Wives Club at the Alcorn residence. Mrs. Howard Rissland, President, poured coffee. Members displayed Christmas handiwork and decorations."
Tina Powell later served as President of this organization. Tina also taught at various schools where the family was posted and was active in a number of community and church activities. The 1959 & 1960 city directory of Jacksonville, Florida shows Cathrina Powell as a teacher at Southside Estates Elementary School. She and Reid lived at 2236 W. Lou Drive.
At one point in Reid's career, he received the "Safe Driver" award for his district. Wife Tina did not think Reid's superiors had made a wise selection. Her perspective seemed to be validated, on one occasion, when Reid backed into a pine tree at Wilbur Powell's house in Greenville. The pine tree survived. The bumper did not.
Tina never let him live that down, vowing to turn the plaque in once they got back home. Reid seemed to suffer these slings and arrows with poise and a healthy sense of self-deprecation, perhaps secretly enjoying his wife's teasing affection.
During their last posting in Marianna, Fla., Reid and Tina prepared for the next phase of their lives after Reid's retirement from the Department of Agriculture, by putting down deep roots in the community. Reid bought land and had a new home built, which he contracted himself, an undertaking he would never attempt again, as this writer once overheard Reid say. The Powells were active at the First Baptist Church in Marianna, serving in lay capacities on various committees and, at least once, traveling to Honduras on a church mission.
Reid Powell was fiercely loyal to family. He made certain that his parent's needs were met in their old age. When brother, Wilbur, fell ill, Reid was constantly attendant to the needs of his brother's family. After Wilbur passed on, and his oldest son was leaving for college in New York, Reid insisted on purchasing his nephew's airfare during his first year away and generously offered a stipend for books and uniforms. Reid, his daughter Susan Gail, and other family members attended the nephew's graduation four years later. When Reid's widowed sister began to suffer from the ill effects of Alzheimer's, Reid provided constant care for her at a local elder facility.
Reid involved himself in several charitable projects, notably as a founding partner in the West Florida Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc., a non-profit organization with a focus on maintaining balance between the utilization of local resources and economic opportunities. Reid was an active proponent of the Jackson County Empowerment Zone and an ombudsman for local farmers and growers with various agencies. Reid and Tina established the Reid and Tina Powell Scholarship Fund, in association with the Chipola College Foundation to provide educational opportunities for local aspiring students. Reid was also active in the Chipola Gator Club.
Reid founded and operated Powell Tree Farm near Sneads, Fla., a property on which he grew a variety of Christmas trees, to include the highly prized Leyland Cypress variety, as well as a large plantation of short leaf pines. He also maintained a commercial catfish operation on one of his lakes and a small-scale vineyard. Reid's son, Mark Powell, continues to operate the Powell Tree Farm.
Reid Powell was an avid fisherman and hunter. His older brother, Wilbur, thirteen years his senior, taught Reid well. This writer had the same teacher. Reid was always game for a trip to the coast to snatch-hook mullet. He would gladly travel great distances for a plate full of fried mullet, roe, hush puppies and grits with red-eye gravy.
The writer of this biography was once invited to hunt ducks with Reid on his Sneads property. We set up a blind earlier in the day and came back as dusk fell. Just as it was getting too dark to see, a brace of mallards flew in from the rear, quick and low, just over our heads. I got the first shot off, and Reid followed quickly with a second. We heard one duck splash. We weren't sure whose bird it was but before I could put my shotgun down, Reid was stripping down to his skivvies to retrieve the duck. I can not say whether he was trying to beat me to the kill or save me the trouble to get at it. It was a cold November day and, needless to say, the water had to be quite enervating. I would have gladly ceded rights to the kill just to avoid going in.
But that would not do for Reid Powell. He set out on the pond with alacrity, explaining that if we did not get to the duck quickly enough, it would hide among the lily pads and cypress knees in the lake, particularly if it was only winged. He disappeared into the darkness, dog-paddling and splashing about for some few minutes. At one point in the search, I thought the duck might best him. I had begun to untie boots and loosen clothing to assist, if needed, but really did not relish the thought of braving the cold waters to contend with a wounded, bellicose duck. I had already relegated us to suffer the same fate as the fabled huntsmen in the John Denver song, who "took two shots, got no ducks and cold, cold hands."
Happily, though, Reid reemerged moments later, dog-paddling to shore with our duck... in his mouth. Truly a "Kodak moment." I recall we both laughed heartily when I pointed out that there was no need for a labrador retriever when you've got a Navy man around.
Reid's passion was good stewardship over the natural resources that God has given us. Reid devoted all of life to His service. Those of us who watched this kind, soft spoken, humble man from afar know his was a life worthy and well-lived.
"Well done, thou good and faithful servant."
___________________________________________________________
Reid Powell's funeral notice:
In Loving Memory
A. REID POWELL
Born August 8, 1925
Passed Away March 20, 2001
Services Held At First Baptist Church of Marianna
March 22, 2001, 3:00 p.m.
Conducted by Pastor Michael Petty & Dr. Shuford Davis
Arrangements by Marianna Chapel Funeral Home
Now the laborer's task is o'er;
Now the battle day is past;
Now upon the farther shore
Lands the voyager, at last.
Father, in thy gracious keeping,
Leave me now thy servant sleeping.
Earth to earth and dust to dust,
Calmly now, the words we say,
Left behind, we wait in trust,
For the resurrection day.
Father, in thy gracious keeping,
Leave me now thy servant sleeping.
___________________________________________________________
U.S. Census, 1930, Lake Co., FL:
William Wintersdorf age 56 born Luxembourg
Kathalina Wintersdorf age 31
William Wintersdorf age 2
Clara Wintersdorf age 1
Katherine Wintersdorf age 3 months
The father William Wintersdorf immigrated to the U.S. in 1892 and the mother, Kathalina, immigrated in 1926.
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
Alvah Reid Powell was born at 8:25 a.m., Saturday morning, the 8th of August 1925, the eleventh and last child of Rev. Alvah Roy and Mattie Martin Powell.
On the day of his birth, Reid Powell had siblings and cousins of an age to be his parents. As the youngest in a large family, Reid found plenty of guidance and love among his brothers and sisters.
Reid Powell was fortunate to spend his boyhood in the bucolic, fertile farm region of Berrien Co., Ga. He quickly found his passion for agriculture and stewardship of natural resources on the Powell family farm southwest of Nashville, Ga., a following that he pursued professionally, and avocationally, his entire life. He and his older brother, Wilbur, were the working hands and ploughmen for their aging father, Rev. A. R. Powell, Reid's namesake.
Reid received his primary school education in Nashville, Berrien Co., Ga. about the time the school district transitioned from one-room rural schools to a centralized system. His older cousin, Whitlow H. Powell, was the Principal of the school. Reid was almost finished with the fourth grade when his father accepted the call to preach at Greenville, Fla.
With the help of a number of the church brethren from Greenville, the Powells established themselves at the "Thompson Place" on the Perry Highway, just south of Greenville, proper. Reid later noted that on one of the trips down, his father Rev. Powell, had to make numerous stops with his 1925 Model T truck to round up chickens that attempted escape, apparently not wishing to become associated with Floridian fowl. This procession must have been quite an adventure for Reid Powell, a boy of nine.
Once situated in Greenville, the Powells rapidly integrated themselves into the fabric of life there. Reid began the 5th grade at Greenville Elementary School in the Fall and continued his education through High School, where he graduated at the top of his class. During his school years, Reid was active in 4H, Future Farmers of America, was Vice-President of his Junior Class and was on the basketball team that won second place in the state championship series his Senior year.
Some of Reid's teachers taught for decades at Greenville High School. Years later, as gray haired matrons, they taught Reid's neices and nephews and remembered him to them as one of the kindest & happiest boys they knew.
Reid graduated from Greenville High School in 1943, during the height of World War II. His was later dubbed "The Greatest Generation", many of whom came from rural towns like Greenville, Fla. A number of Reid's classmates enlisted directly after school and went to far off postings in Europe and the South Pacific.
Boys, like Reid Powell, just out of high school from small towns across America, were the ones who stormed, swoopstake and cropneck, onto Omaha and Utah beaches at Normandy, France on 6 June 1944 during Operation Overlord. They were the Rangers who scaled the cliffs at Pont du Hoc, and the paratroopers who jumped behind enemy lines at Ste. Mere Eglise. They were the fresh-faced boys who charged headlong into withering fire on the unheard of foreign shores at Bougainville, Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Iwo Jima and Okinawa in the Pacific campaign.
The clarion call to duty that this generation solemnly answered inscribed it's devotion to justice, writ large in blood, on the enemy's breast. Their page in history was earmarked with an M1 Garand carbine and a bayonet.
Reid answered the call in the Summer of 1943, enlisting in the U.S. Navy for a two year tour of duty. His older brother, Wilbur Powell, had been drafted in January, 1943, and was already serving in combat overseas with the U.S. Army Air Corps. Basic training was conducted at the Naval Training Command at Orlando, followed by specialized medical training in radiology. After MOS training, Reid Powell was assigned permanent party at Pensacola Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Fla. until 1945.
U.S. Navy records show that Reid Powell was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the World War Two Victory Medal and the American Campaign Ribbon.
After Reid ETS'd from the U.S. Navy, he took full advantage of the GI Bill and enrolled at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Fla. In 1949, Reid was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural and Life Science, with a major in Soil Science (University of Florida Alum #5335328), having completed this rigorous course of study in only three years.
After graduation, Reid accepted a position with the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a Soil Conservationist, a career that continued for over 30 years with postings in several districts: Duval County (Jacksonville), Alachua County (Gainesville), Lafayette County (Mayo) and Jackson County (Marianna.)
During his tenure at one of these postings, Reid had the good fortune to earn the affection of Catherina "Tina" Wintersdorf. After an extended courtship, Reid and Tina wed on July 10, 1957 in Lake County, Florida.
Aunt Tina had her work cut out for her, marrying into a large, tight-knit family, all of whom were protective of their baby brother, Reid. The Powell women, whether sister or sister-in-law, wielded cooking skills that would make Paula Deen flee the kitchen in terror. Tina's association with the Powells was nearly akin to earning membership in a street gang. But, Tina Powell had true grit and was equal to the daunting task, rapidly earning the love and respect of all in the family.
The union of Reid Powell and Tina Wintersdorf was blessed with two children:
1. WILLIAM (MARK) MARTIN POWELL.
2. SUSAN GAIL POWELL.
Around the time that Reid graduated from the University of Florida, two tragedies befell the Powell family. Older brother James Q. Powell, who suffered from disabilities related to polio contracted in the 1920's, was struck and killed by a car in front of the Powell home in Greenville, Fla. in 1951.
Shortly thereafter, in 1953, the family lost it's venerable patriarch, Rev. A.R. Powell. He died peacefully in his sleep, in Greenville at the home of his son, Wilbur Powell. Rev. Powell's health, eyesight and mental capacity waned rapidly in his later years.
Once, when Rev. Powell suffered from a cold, Dr. Loomis King came out to the house and prescribed a concoction of honey and whiskey to soothe the Preacher's throat. Rev. Powell received the medicine gladly, noting that "it was mighty tasty." If the Rev'd had the visual acuity to observe the Doctor pour from Wilbur's flask, his abstemious convictions might have led him to a different conclusion.
Dr. King administered the same remedy to this writer as an infant some few years later. When summoned, the Dr. directed Wilbur to "go to the kitchen where you keep that flask in the sugar jar", whereupon, the country doctor mixed his medicinal wares and Wilbur's combustibles to good effect. The child survived.
Rev. Powell often preached temperance from the pulpit in Greenville, having been a crusader during the Prohibition era of the 1920's. On one occasion, when he declared that all vile intoxicants should be taken to the river and poured out, he was chagrined when, his choir director selected "Shall We Gather At The River" as the concluding hymn.
Wilbur's wife once noted that during the latter years of Rev. Powell's life, she had to be careful to push chairs under the table lest she find Rev. Powell mounting his "stump" to deliver a sermon to his illusory congregation, harkening back to his early days as a brush arbor preacher in South Georgia at the turn of the century.
Rev. Powell's obituary was published in the Madison, Fla. newspaper:
"A. R. Powell, age 74, died Friday June 19th at his home in Greenville. Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Mattie E. Powell, of Greenville; three sons, C. W., of Moultrie; J. W., of Greenville; and Alva Reid Powell, of Mayo; six daughters, Mrs. Marion Register, of Norman Park, GA; Mrs. E. C. Bostick and Mrs. Ralph Wills, both of Moultrie; Mrs. Cecil Brannen, of Greenville; Mrs. Jim West, of Macon; and Mrs. Wesley Holland, of Bartow. Funeral services were held Saturday in the First Baptist Church of Greenville with interment in Evergreen Cemetery."
During the decade of the 1950's, Reid Powell's career flourished. In 1957, the Directory of Organization and Field Activities of the Department of Agriculture listed "A. Reid Powell" in the Mayo (Lafayette County) office with his duties described as "technical assistance to the Lafayette Soil Conservation District."
Reid Powell continued to serve with distinction in his capacity as a Soil Scientist, often involving himself in multifacted projects which affected the utilization of natural resources, as noted in this newspaper article from the Flagler Tribune, x Thursday, May 2, 1963: "Additional engineering surveys got underway the past week on the Haw Creek Watershed. The Watershed Planning Party out of Gainesville is in charge of the work. Civil Engineer Bob Jessey and [Soil Conservationist] Reid Powell, also of the Watershed Planning Party, have been gathering additional information for the final planning phase. The Watershed Committee, representing every phase of agriculture in the Watershed, has been formed to work with the Soil Conservation Service in working up the plans for the Watershed."
Reid's expert opinion was sought in the selection of the Outstanding Conservationist of Duval County in 1961, Mr. J.E. Davis, Chairman of the Board of Winn-Dixie Stores, as noted in the Jacksonville Daily Record, "Soil Conservationist Reid Powell said Davis had maintained a rigorous conservation program for all types of wildlife on acreage he owned in southeast Duval County. This includes selection and planting of feed crops for quail, turkey, deer and ducks. Cover is provided where needed. Game protection is also well maintained. These three factors - food, cover and protection - are fundamental to a good wildlife program, Powell said."
Tina Powell was also active in supporting her husband's career, as indicated by this note in the Gainesville Sun, x Sunday, 22 November 1964: "Club Coffee Given By Trio. Mrs. D.E. Alcorn, Mrs. Reid Powell, and Mrs. W.H. Buckhannon were hostesses at a coffee given recently for members of he Soil Conservation Wives Club at the Alcorn residence. Mrs. Howard Rissland, President, poured coffee. Members displayed Christmas handiwork and decorations."
Tina Powell later served as President of this organization. Tina also taught at various schools where the family was posted and was active in a number of community and church activities. The 1959 & 1960 city directory of Jacksonville, Florida shows Cathrina Powell as a teacher at Southside Estates Elementary School. She and Reid lived at 2236 W. Lou Drive.
At one point in Reid's career, he received the "Safe Driver" award for his district. Wife Tina did not think Reid's superiors had made a wise selection. Her perspective seemed to be validated, on one occasion, when Reid backed into a pine tree at Wilbur Powell's house in Greenville. The pine tree survived. The bumper did not.
Tina never let him live that down, vowing to turn the plaque in once they got back home. Reid seemed to suffer these slings and arrows with poise and a healthy sense of self-deprecation, perhaps secretly enjoying his wife's teasing affection.
During their last posting in Marianna, Fla., Reid and Tina prepared for the next phase of their lives after Reid's retirement from the Department of Agriculture, by putting down deep roots in the community. Reid bought land and had a new home built, which he contracted himself, an undertaking he would never attempt again, as this writer once overheard Reid say. The Powells were active at the First Baptist Church in Marianna, serving in lay capacities on various committees and, at least once, traveling to Honduras on a church mission.
Reid Powell was fiercely loyal to family. He made certain that his parent's needs were met in their old age. When brother, Wilbur, fell ill, Reid was constantly attendant to the needs of his brother's family. After Wilbur passed on, and his oldest son was leaving for college in New York, Reid insisted on purchasing his nephew's airfare during his first year away and generously offered a stipend for books and uniforms. Reid, his daughter Susan Gail, and other family members attended the nephew's graduation four years later. When Reid's widowed sister began to suffer from the ill effects of Alzheimer's, Reid provided constant care for her at a local elder facility.
Reid involved himself in several charitable projects, notably as a founding partner in the West Florida Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc., a non-profit organization with a focus on maintaining balance between the utilization of local resources and economic opportunities. Reid was an active proponent of the Jackson County Empowerment Zone and an ombudsman for local farmers and growers with various agencies. Reid and Tina established the Reid and Tina Powell Scholarship Fund, in association with the Chipola College Foundation to provide educational opportunities for local aspiring students. Reid was also active in the Chipola Gator Club.
Reid founded and operated Powell Tree Farm near Sneads, Fla., a property on which he grew a variety of Christmas trees, to include the highly prized Leyland Cypress variety, as well as a large plantation of short leaf pines. He also maintained a commercial catfish operation on one of his lakes and a small-scale vineyard. Reid's son, Mark Powell, continues to operate the Powell Tree Farm.
Reid Powell was an avid fisherman and hunter. His older brother, Wilbur, thirteen years his senior, taught Reid well. This writer had the same teacher. Reid was always game for a trip to the coast to snatch-hook mullet. He would gladly travel great distances for a plate full of fried mullet, roe, hush puppies and grits with red-eye gravy.
The writer of this biography was once invited to hunt ducks with Reid on his Sneads property. We set up a blind earlier in the day and came back as dusk fell. Just as it was getting too dark to see, a brace of mallards flew in from the rear, quick and low, just over our heads. I got the first shot off, and Reid followed quickly with a second. We heard one duck splash. We weren't sure whose bird it was but before I could put my shotgun down, Reid was stripping down to his skivvies to retrieve the duck. I can not say whether he was trying to beat me to the kill or save me the trouble to get at it. It was a cold November day and, needless to say, the water had to be quite enervating. I would have gladly ceded rights to the kill just to avoid going in.
But that would not do for Reid Powell. He set out on the pond with alacrity, explaining that if we did not get to the duck quickly enough, it would hide among the lily pads and cypress knees in the lake, particularly if it was only winged. He disappeared into the darkness, dog-paddling and splashing about for some few minutes. At one point in the search, I thought the duck might best him. I had begun to untie boots and loosen clothing to assist, if needed, but really did not relish the thought of braving the cold waters to contend with a wounded, bellicose duck. I had already relegated us to suffer the same fate as the fabled huntsmen in the John Denver song, who "took two shots, got no ducks and cold, cold hands."
Happily, though, Reid reemerged moments later, dog-paddling to shore with our duck... in his mouth. Truly a "Kodak moment." I recall we both laughed heartily when I pointed out that there was no need for a labrador retriever when you've got a Navy man around.
Reid's passion was good stewardship over the natural resources that God has given us. Reid devoted all of life to His service. Those of us who watched this kind, soft spoken, humble man from afar know his was a life worthy and well-lived.
"Well done, thou good and faithful servant."
___________________________________________________________
Reid Powell's funeral notice:
In Loving Memory
A. REID POWELL
Born August 8, 1925
Passed Away March 20, 2001
Services Held At First Baptist Church of Marianna
March 22, 2001, 3:00 p.m.
Conducted by Pastor Michael Petty & Dr. Shuford Davis
Arrangements by Marianna Chapel Funeral Home
Now the laborer's task is o'er;
Now the battle day is past;
Now upon the farther shore
Lands the voyager, at last.
Father, in thy gracious keeping,
Leave me now thy servant sleeping.
Earth to earth and dust to dust,
Calmly now, the words we say,
Left behind, we wait in trust,
For the resurrection day.
Father, in thy gracious keeping,
Leave me now thy servant sleeping.
___________________________________________________________
U.S. Census, 1930, Lake Co., FL:
William Wintersdorf age 56 born Luxembourg
Kathalina Wintersdorf age 31
William Wintersdorf age 2
Clara Wintersdorf age 1
Katherine Wintersdorf age 3 months
The father William Wintersdorf immigrated to the U.S. in 1892 and the mother, Kathalina, immigrated in 1926.
___________________________________________________________
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