Eddie "EW" Waymon Powell

Eddie Waymon Powell was born on November 9, 1935, in Strong, Arkansas, to the late Waymon and Evelyn Powell. At a very young age, the word of God and his abundance were instilled in him. Affectionally known by family and friends as E.W., in his adolescent years, he would enjoy going to school just to come home to his grandmother fixing him a hot plate and spending time with him. E.W. was a graduate of Gardner High School in Strong, AR. E.W. had a high admiration for his father Waymon and all contributions he made to Strong, Arkansas, during the Civil Rights movement and thereafter.

He adored his mother, Evelyn, and always wanted to check on her and be near her. E.W. loved his two brothers dearly, George and John L. Powell; they had many good times together that he would frequently talk about. He loved being close to his friends and family. As a young adult, he had dreams and goals that he wanted to achieve and set out to do them all. 

He was a jack of all trades. Eddie was united in Holy Matrimony to the love of his life Gloria Jean Miller; together, they moved from Arkansas to Santa Monica, Ca, in 1965. To this union, they were blessed with two wonderful daughters Brittany Sad'e Powell and Lexus Prin Powell. E.W. worked at McDonnell Douglas Aircraft, Los Angeles Newspaper Route & Car transportation Services. Eddie retired at the age of 67 soon after retirement, he still couldn't sit down.

Eddie and his wife Gloria decided to become foster parents and help raise the youth throughout the Los Angeles area. Together they had over 70 foster children and remained in that business for 15 years, they were awarded by teens foster home for being foster parents of the year. In his later years, he would enjoy making phone calls back home to check on his family and friends, going to the movies, eating cake and Ice-cream, watering the grass, and driving around town with his buddies. He loved simple things, sports, politics, and reading health & wellness books. E.W. could easily brighten your day and make you laugh. After his beloved wife Gloria's passing in 2012, he devoted all of his days to his daughters trying hard to fill that void. E.W. and daughters Brittany and Lexus moved from Lawndale, Ca, to El Dorado, AR, on July 25, 2018. He loved being back home and driving down Strong Hwy. Some days he would sit at Old Fashion and reminisce on his childhood in Arkansas.

In his last three years of life, he would always give thanks to the Lord for keeping him in good health; E.W.'s daughters Brittany and Lexus stayed by his side until his very last day. On the morning of August 22, 2021, there was a prayer said by his granddaughter Camillia Reynolds followed by comforting words by his daughter Brittany; soon after, he took his rest peacefully and calmly went with the Lord & Savior Jesus Christ and all the loved ones he had lost along the way.

Eddie is preceded in death by his parents Waymon and Evelyn Powell and Wife Gloria Powell, Daughters Deborah Ann Powell, Evelyn Dianne Billings, granddaughters Kelfinee Billings and LaTonya Billings.

His memories will forever be cherished by his loving daughters Iris Jensen of Michigan, Brittany Powell, and Lexus Powell of El Dorado, AR. Two granddaughters Camilla Reynolds (Rod) and Charnel3Trussell, one grandson Joe Manuel Jr., seven great-grandchildren & three great-great-grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews, two lifelong friends, Joe Tilque of Compton, CA, and Eddie "Skip" Davis of Texas. An entire community of friends and relatives in California as well as Arkansas. He will truly be missed by all who knew him.