Leland Powers

Mr. Leland Powers, was born on January 26, 1923, the eldest child of Allen L. and Julia Graves Powers in Ozan, Arkansas. He departed this life on October 20, 2010, at the age of 87. Leland left home at the age of 15, to join WPA's CCC and served in Langley, Arkansas Ouachita National Forest helping build Shady Lake and Camp Albert Pike. He joined the US Navy in 1941, and served as a Signalman 2nd Class on the USS Minneapolis. He was wounded when a suicide plane crashed into his ship and was the recipient of the Purple Heart and several battle ribbons. Leland worked many years for Wylie Glass and Salvage and for fifteen years at G&S Manufacturing Company Hope, Arkansas. He was a member of Unity Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 61 years, Edith Stroud Powers, one granddaughter Katie Swinea, and three brothers: Bobby, Jerry and Jimmy Powers. Leland left a full and rich legacy of love, honesty, hard work, and commitment to family and friends. He leaves behind five very proud and grateful children; two sons David "Bubba" and Vigi Harmon Powers; Thomas "Tee" and Susan Henley Powers Hope, Arkansas. Three daughters Shelia Powers Halsell, Hope, Arkansas; Lelia and Jim Pitts, Greenwood, Arkansas; Judy and Jim Swinea, Pine Bluff, Arkansas; one brother, Charles Powers, Tacoma, Washington; one sister, Juanita Haddix, Hope, Arkansas. Nine grandchildren: Sharon Pitts, David Halsell (Tannicoa); Steven Pitts (Amy); Jessica Zimmer (Eric); Michael Pitts (Sarah), Johathan Halsell (Jessica); Joshua Swinea, Lori Halsell and Matthew Swinea. Though not by birth, but rather by adoption in his heart two more grandchildren: Michawn Davis, who cared for him in his last days, and Crissy Fincher; 12 great-grandchildren: Rickela Williams, Jerriod Hicks, Matthew Robbins, Parker Pitts, Caleb Pitts, Hunter Hicks, Daniel Pitts, Madison Halsell, Breylyn Halsell, Jayden Halsell, Pipper Pitts and Katie Halsell. Also by heart adoption as great-grandchildren: Elizabeth Davis, Aaron Easterling, Sandra Grace "I love you Papaw" Easterling, Lindsay Anderson and Bryan Anderson; six close and special friends: Ray Honeycutt, Ode Smith, Gene Carrigan, Benton Fincher, Bud and Lura Mae Mitchell, a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Funeral Services: 2 p.m., Sunday, October 24, 2010, Brazzel/Oakcrest Funeral Home Chapel, Hope, Arkansas, Rev. David Porterfield and Joshua Swinea officiating. Burial Holly Grove Cemetery, DeAnn, Arkansas. Arrangements by Brazzel/Oakcrest The Funeral Home, Hope, Arkansas. Visitation: Saturday, October 23, 2010, 6-8 p.m. Brazzel/Oakcrest Funeral Home, Hope, Arkansas. Online Guestbook: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com.