William "Bill" Powell

William “Bill” Powell, age 79, of Gulfport, Mississippi, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by loved ones, on September 25, 2024.  

He was born on December 15, 1944, in Memphis, Tennessee, and he spent the majority of his life in Gulfport, a place he proudly called home.  

He is preceded in death by his parents, W.T. and Martha Powell, his sister, Barbara Powell, his cousins, Doug Horne and Lemuel "Bud" Pearson, his step-son, David “Rusty” Strum, and his step-grandson, Kyle Coleman. 

William is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Vicky M. Powell, his daughter, Elise Speaks, his sons, William (Lora) Powell and James (Grace) Powell, and his step-children, who loved him dearly, James “Randy” (Martha) Strum and Carmen (Mark) Endacott. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Chris Bosma, Chastain Powell, Sage Speaks, Adam Speaks, Ruth Powell, Martha Powell, and his step-grandchildren, Alicia (Max) Strum, David Strum, Lindsay Strum, Allison Endacott, Ashley Endacott, and Brett (Ryanna) Coleman. 

A graduate of Gulfport High School, William earned his Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Tulane University and was a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Mississippi. He served honorably in the U.S. Army, where he was deployed to Vietnam during the Vietnam War to help build temporary harbors. 

William retired as the City of Gulfport Director of Engineering, a role in which he served from 1996 to 2007. He loved fishing, taking brisk morning walks, reading, sailing, and mentoring others. He also enjoyed a long-standing brotherhood with Delta Tau Delta fraternity members from his college years. He was a highly dedicated and involved Friend of Bill W. and an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Gulfport. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial contributions to be made to the First United Methodist Church of Gulfport or the Humane Society of South Mississippi. 

Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, from 9:30 – 10:30 am at First United Methodist Church, 2301 15th Street, Gulfport, MS 39501. The funeral service will be at 10:30 am in the church. The interment will be in Biloxi National Cemetery. 

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family.