Thomas Gerald Powell went to be with the Lord on Jan. 4, 2013, two days after his 94th birthday.

The son of Leland and Nettie Powell of Chilton County, he was the last surviving child of seven children.

He and his wife lived in Anniston for almost 60 years.

A veteran of World War II in the U.S. Air Force, he was involved in the conflict in the South Pacific.

He was a master carpenter and loved to fish, cook and play and later watch baseball. He served as a deacon at First Baptist Church in Anniston for many years.

One of the greatest joys in his life was playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Ethel Mae Johnson Powell; daughter, Lynn Powell Fridy (Tom) of Chelsea; grandchildren, Mark Powell (Agape), Michael Powell (Mary), Jenny Faulk (Andy), James Fridy (Lacie), Matthew Fridy (Kim), Benjamin Fridy (Jamie), Lauren Powell and Katie Powell (Susan Powell-Hill); great-grandchildren, Marika Powell, Nikolai Powell, Taria Gillette (Chris), Katia Stewart (Kenny), Gracie Fridy, Jakob Fridy, Becca Faulk, Logan Faulk, Jack Fridy, Beth Fridy and Cate Fridy; great-great-granddaughter, Riley Stewart.

He was preceded in death by his sons, John Danny Powell and Vincent Gerald (Jerry) Powell.

The family will receive friends for a visitation and celebration of Tom’s life at Gray Brown-Service Funeral Home, 1329 Wilmer Ave., Anniston, on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013, from 6–8 p.m.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013, at 11 a.m. at Gray Brown-Service Chapel.

Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery with the Rev. Doug Powell and the Rev. Buddy Nelson officiating.