Ronnie Powell

Ronnie S. Powell, 56, of Spartanburg, died unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, January 12, 2011. Born March 14, 1954, in Spartanburg County, he was the son of the late Buffard Sam and Pantha Skipper Powell and husband of his beloved wife of 21 years, the late "Libby" Johnson. Ronnie, known as Ron, was of the Baptist faith and worked for 35 years with The Charles Lea Center in Maintenance and Special Projects. In the 70's, he helped in founding "The Parsons Bench" after meeting with Vera Parson, Winn Dixie Founder, under CEO, Dr. Gil Hooper. This program supported clients with disabilities and special needs by giving them wooden projects to assemble. Ronnie cut all the pieces and helped to coordinate each project. To the delight of the clients, the Objects of Wood would be sold at a fall bazaar and sometimes were given to the proud parents. Ron also worked with his "Special Men" each day from the "Shop" which CEO David Kiely had helped to build as a work project. His hard work in shaping the lives of these men made him proud to offer encouragement and celebrate in each individual endeavor. These victories developed these men into modern gentlemen with work skills and a sense of self-respect. Each day was a different task and the men looked forward to the new challenges. The men are now responsible for much of the Center's furniture moving and grounds keeping. The renovation of The Sensory Garden at The Charles Lea Center won State, Regional, and National Awards for his work in Garden Therapy. State recognition was bestowed upon him, receiving an award from the South Carolina Mental Health Association. He was also awarded the Direct Care Professional of the Year Award in October 2006 from the American Association of Mental Retardation (AAMR) for his work in mentoring his "Special Men". His compassion and love for all the consumers of The Charles Lea Center will forever live. Survivors include two sisters, Mary Ann Powell Kirby and her husband Monty of Reidville and Glenda Powell Farmer of Lyman; three nieces, Autumne Kirby Relich, Tiffany Miller, and Natalie Watkins; two nephews, Anthony Kirby and Nathan McLain; special Aunts and Uncles, Margaret Powell Tucci, Margaret Skipper Perl, Lester Powell, and Otis Powell; and a multitude of cousins. He also adored Jake, a black Lab, who lives at Silver Lake with cousin Mac the Westie. The family will receive friends 5:00-5:45 PM Monday, January 24, 2011 at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel. A Spiritual Celebration of Ronnie's Life will follow at 6:00 PM in the Chapel, conducted by the Rev. W. Sam Coates. Honorary Escorts will be The Upsy Daisy Garden Club and The Spartanburg Garden Club Council. The family respectfully requests that flowers be omitted and memorials made to Mobile Meals Services, P.O. Box 461, Spartanburg, SC 29304. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ronnie S. Powell please visit our Sympathy Store.