William Robert Powers

After a brief illness, William R. (Bill) Powers, age 94 of Diamondhead, Mississippi, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on April 14, 2024.

Bill was a devoted and loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to those who knew him. He was affectionately called “Sweet William” and “Bayou Billy”.

He is reunited in Heaven with his parents, Roy and Betty Powers, brother, Don, and numerous relatives. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 70-years, Carolyn; daughters Kerri Guichet (Paul) and Shelli Domiano (Greg); granddaughters, Katherine Guichet Speaker (Will), Hannah Domiano Messina (Andrew), Halie Domiano Albin (Jared); great-grandchildren Kenzie and Drew Messina, Wade and Norah Albin; sister-in-law Carolyn Powers; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Bill, the eldest of two children, was born and raised in Augusta, Kansas. Upon graduating from Augusta High School, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from the University of Wichita. During Bill’s 17-year career at Boeing Aerospace, he worked on the Apollo Project at NASA’s Michoud Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana. In addition to his civilian career, Bill also served 6-years as a non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Army Reserves. An entrepreneurial spirit at heart, Bill pursued his dream and became a business owner when he purchased Cooper’s Marine, a boat dealership in Denham Springs, Louisiana. He was a Board of Director for First National Bank, Denham Springs, Louisiana, and later served as an Advisory Director at Hancock Bank in Mississippi. Upon retiring, he and his wife, Carolyn, moved to Diamondhead, Mississippi, which has been their home for over 31-years.

As a Christian, Bill had a deep love for Jesus Christ and a devotion to the Catholic Church. Bill was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Pass Christian where he attended Mass weekly. He and his wife were long time members of the Diamondhead Boaters Association. Bill was a member of Most Holy Trinity Men’s Club, Fin and Feather, and numerous other Diamondhead social organizations.

Bill was a boat enthusiast, an avid fisherman and light-hearted golfer. He and Carolyn loved to travel and saw many parts of the world in their lifetime.

A visitation will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Pass Christian, Mississippi, from 1:00-2:45 p.m. on Monday, April 29, 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated following the visitation. A private burial will occur at a later date.

He truly loved the community of Diamondhead and his friends who live there. Bill’s kindness, optimism, generosity, and love is the legacy he left us.

The family is grateful to Bill’s many friends for their continuous love, caring support, and unending prayers. Additionally, we are forever thankful to Father Paddy Mockler for his prayers and support, to the doctors, nurses, and hospital staff who did a wonderful job tending to his medical needs.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Pass Christian, Mississippi.