Posted 11:09 pm Sunday, May 20, 2012
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Coach Jay D. Powell
Coach Jay Douglas Powell, 54, of Tyler, died unexpectedly on May 14, 2012. He was born Nov. 16, 1957, in Madison, Wis., the son of J.B. and Jean Powell, of Minden, La. He was the oldest of four siblings.
A memorial service will be held at 4:30 p.m. Monday, May 21, 2012, at Colonial Hills Baptist Church in Tyler under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home with the Rev. Robert Carter officiating.
Sharing special words will be friend and coaching partner, Minister Glen Cogburn, former students, Philip White and Carter Halbrooks.
A memorial service will be held at 4:30 p.m. Monday, May 21, 2012, at Colonial Hills Baptist Church in Tyler under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home with the Rev. Robert Carter officiating.
Sharing special words will be friend and coaching partner, Minister Glen Cogburn, former students, Philip White and Carter Halbrooks.
On Aug. 6, 1988, he married Lisa Witherington. He graduated from Northeast Louisiana University in 1980 with a degree in Education and furthered his education at Louisiana State University. He began teaching in Monroe, La., and was athletic director at Lee Junior High. In 1989, they moved to Tyler and started a family. He coached football, basketball and track at Dogan Middle School, Boulter Middle School and, for the past 18 years, at Moore MST Magnet School. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Lisa Witherington Powell; as well as daughters, Jordan Powell and Madison Powell; parents, J.B. and Jean Powell; sister and brother-in-law, Kelly Powell Behrendt and husband Richard, of Denver, Colo.; brother, David Powell and special friend Michael Flower, of Austin; many nieces and nephews and close family friends, Ben, Candy and Christina Cave. Mr. Powell was preceded in death by his brother, Mark Joseph Powell. He was a member of Colonial Hills Baptist Church.
As an educator, Jay received recognition as a Master Teacher and Teacher of the Month periodically throughout his career. He was very innovative, writing and receiving numerous grants from TISD Foundation and various other sources. “Coach Powell,” as he was known by his students, had a true passion for kids. He touched the lives of many with his love, friendship, wit and true joy that he so freely shared. He instilled in his students lessons about life, perseverance and will power. His HUGE smile proved to be contagious and will be forever etched in the hearts and memories of those who called him “Coach.”
As an educator, Jay received recognition as a Master Teacher and Teacher of the Month periodically throughout his career. He was very innovative, writing and receiving numerous grants from TISD Foundation and various other sources. “Coach Powell,” as he was known by his students, had a true passion for kids. He touched the lives of many with his love, friendship, wit and true joy that he so freely shared. He instilled in his students lessons about life, perseverance and will power. His HUGE smile proved to be contagious and will be forever etched in the hearts and memories of those who called him “Coach.”
Honorary pallbearers will be Richard Behrendt, Ben Cave, Bob Holston, Claude Lane, Glen Cogburn, Randy Fleet and Gary Halbrooks.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Jay D. Powell Science and Technology Scholarship Fund through ETCF, 315 N. Broadway, Suite 210, Tyler, 75702.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Jay D. Powell Science and Technology Scholarship Fund through ETCF, 315 N. Broadway, Suite 210, Tyler, 75702.
