William "Bill" Chester Powell

William (Bill) Chester Powell passed away at St. Luke’s Hospital in the Woodlands, TX on May 25, 2017. Bill was born April 26, 1947 to Chester and Eloise Powell, in Huntsville, TX. He was preceded in death by his father, Chester Powell. He is survived by Donna Powell, his wife of 47 years; his mother, Eloise Powell; his daughters, Keri Grayson and husband Dale of Pasadena, TX, and Kimberly Powell of Huntsville, TX; four grandchildren, Maci Countz, Hunter Countz, Trey Grayson and Emma Grayson. Bill graduated from Huntsville High School and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Sam Houston State University. It was at Sam Houston State University that Bill met and married Donna. Upon graduation from college, Bill and Donna moved to Fredericksburg, TX to begin his job as a chemist for the Texas Department of Agriculture. He was one of only four chemists in the state who tested peanuts to determine their quality after being in storage. Bill enjoyed living in Fredericksburg where both his daughters were born. He was an active member of the Fredericksburg Jaycees and the Methodist Church. Bill became an avid deer and dove hunter and enjoyed playing golf at the Lady Bird Johnson Park. After 12 years in the Hill Country, Bill felt the need to come back home to his roots of Huntsville. He moved his family in 1981, where he was employed with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in the agriculture division of the Ellis Unit. In 1984 he went to work for Walker County Precinct One, running the road and bridge crew. He loved working outside with big equipment. He retired from Walker County in 2004. After retirement, Bill spent many hours doing what he loved, which was salt water fishing and gardening. He bought a boat and an RV and could be found fishing in Matagorda Bay and along the lower Colorado River. During this time he went to Mariners School and obtained his Captain’s license and became known as Captain Bill to those who knew him best. More than anything, Bill had a love of family and friends. They were the most important part of his life. He loved watching his grandchildren growing up. While he was able, Bill lived life to the fullest and made the most of each day. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at First United Methodist Church, Huntsville, TX. Interment will follow at Petree Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3:00-5:00 pm Monday, May 29, 2017 at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home, Huntsville, TX. For those desiring, the family requests with gratitude, that memorials be directed to the First United Methodist Church, 1016 Sam Houston Ave., Huntsville, TX 77320.

William "Bill" Chester Powell

April 26, 1947 - May 25, 2017