(601) 833-6680

  • 1


David Gary Powers

Services for David Gary Powers of Hattiesburg, MS, will be held in Brookhaven, MS, at Riverwood Family Funeral Home on Saturday, August 6. The visitation will be at 10 a.m. with service at 11 a.m. and burial immediately following at Riverwood.

David died from complications of Parkinson’s disease at Asbury Hospice in Hattiesburg, on July 30, 2022. He was born at Vicksburg’s Mercy Hospital on August 2, 1947, to Elizabeth ‘Sis’ Gary Powers and Spencer Byrd Powers, Sr. He lived in Cary, MS, on the Powers Family Farm and attended Cary Consolidated Line School and then Rolling Fork High School where he played football. He was a member of the 1963 Delta Valley Conference Championship team and was a 1965 graduate of Rolling Fork High School.

David also played football at Millsaps College and was a member and officer of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He graduated from Millsaps in 1969 with a sociology degree. Bobby Kennedy spoke at Millsaps in 1967 and David was strongly influenced by his message as well as by President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural speech that called on citizens to “ask what you can do for your country.” David began his lifelong service as a soldier in the War on Poverty when he took a job as a caseworker with the Mississippi Department of Public Welfare, now Department of Human Services. In 1973 he earned a Master’s in Social Work from Tulane University.

David spent his life attempting to right injustices, including giving away a week’s worth of his roommate’s groceries to neighborhood trick-or-treaters while a college student. Reflecting on his nearly thirty years at the Department of Human Services, he often said that he aspired to be a “good bureaucrat” with his typical self-deprecating and dry sense of humor. His real calling was as a front-line social worker, going above and beyond to love people in whatever way he could. There are too many stories of the good work he did, from helping his clients file their taxes to get the refunds they deserved, to working with churches to get rent covered, to ending his sessions with clients by asking a question not found on any of the forms: “What other needs do you have?” When he eventually became a Regional Director, he mentored social workers in the field, encouraging them to treat people with respect and meet them where they were. He continued this work after retirement, helping people looking for assistance at Parkway Heights United Methodist Church, volunteering with Edwards Street Fellowship Center distributing food to families in need, and delivering Meals On Wheels.

David was an American Contract Bridge League Ruby Life Master and member of the Hattiesburg Duplicate Club and Robert Kirkpatrick Club, where he welcomed and mentored new players, devoting himself to the game he learned from a woman he considered his “best feature” - his mother Sis Powers - and from his Aunt Epp. He won sixth place at the World Championship Domino Tournament in 1990. A mystery book aficionado, he passed on his love of reading to his children and grandchildren. He was a founding member of the Just Over the Rainbow Theater company as well as one of the founders of the Episcopal Church of the Ascension’s Annual Crawfish Boil. An actor on local stage and screen, he was perhaps best known for the role of “Earl” in the Big Buck Sporting Goods commercials. He maintained a lifelong devotion to the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers. He often claimed to be the original inventor of the McDonald’s Sausage Egg and Cheese McMuffin sandwich, although his role has never been confirmed in the official histories.

David is survived by the love of his life, Bettie Hatcher Cox; his children Amanda Clay Powers, Mitchell Sampson Powers (Liberty), Matthew Flynn (Allison), Joye Cox Anestis (Mike), and Kris Lee; his brother-in-law Steve Reisinger; his nephew Spencer Reisinger (Sunee Claud) and nieces Stephanie Kidwell and Laura Reisinger Watts (Hassan Houmani). David’s beloved grandchildren, to whom he was known as Pop, are Bryce Touchstone; Hansford “Hank” and Coretta “Coco” Powers; Noah, Eli, and Joshua Flynn; and Jonah and Mary Anestis. He is also survived by too many longtime friends to list. He is preceded by his parents, Sis and Spencer Byrd Powers, Sr.; his brother Spencer Byrd Powers, Jr.; and his sister Elizabeth Anne Reisinger.

Memorials may be made to the Edwards Street Fellowship Center, 1919 Edwards Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401; the Sharkey-Issaquena County Library, 116 Robert Morganfield Way, Rolling Fork, MS 39159; the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, www.michaeljfox.org; or to a food bank in your community.

Media

9 comments

  • Comment Link Peggy Brockman Varnado Monday, 08 August 2022 04:04 posted by Peggy Brockman Varnado

    I was so sad to read this news. David took the admonition to look out for each other in this world very seriously, but he always had time to ask his friends and church family about our kids and grandkids and their families. I enjoyed my years of working with him in Just Over the Rainbow Theater. His devotion to Betty was a joy to behold. He was a truly kind man.

    Report
  • Comment Link Cynthia D Friday, 05 August 2022 15:37 posted by Cynthia D

    Soar with the Angels, David. When I arrive, I will look for you first in Smoking sections of Duplicate Bridge Tournaments / "Cowboy Bridge" Pairs and Swiss Teams,( not the points flighted sections...) only restriction : NOT for the Faint of Heart/Strictly-by-the-book Players.
    Bettie, Amanda, Mitchell and children, Spencer, Steph, Laura, you are in my thoughts and prayers . Such a loss of such a kind and wonderful cousin and friend. Sincerely, Cynthia D

    Report
  • Comment Link Laura Thursday, 04 August 2022 14:30 posted by Laura

    Wonderful and thoughtful obituary, I can only be there in spirit, to all our good times. Maybe next time you could let me win one hand of ole maids or a round of candyland?

    Report
  • Comment Link Janet smith Wednesday, 03 August 2022 18:31 posted by Janet smith

    So sorry for your loss, sweet Betty! The obit was a lovely tribute to a man of honor , whose life made a difference in countless lives of others. His many gifts were used selflessly and he will be missed. I’m grateful for the years of happiness that you shared with him.
    Loved you long and for keeps.
    Linda’s best friend from Brookhaven!
    Janet Smith

    Report
  • Comment Link Ginger  Bill Smith Wednesday, 03 August 2022 16:01 posted by Ginger Bill Smith

    Sending love and prayers to Bettie and family and also to the many whose lives touched by such a gentle giant of a man. I was enlightened reading of so many wonderful things about him before we met at Parkway Heights. Love this picture too. Your Parkway Heights family will miss him too.

    Report
  • Comment Link Mary Dryden Wednesday, 03 August 2022 15:29 posted by Mary Dryden

    David Powers was a good man of great intelligence who willingly shared his passionate beliefs. He was an inspiration and will be sorely missed.

    Report
  • Comment Link Cecilia Botero Wednesday, 03 August 2022 15:14 posted by Cecilia Botero

    What a wonderful fulfilling life! We would all be fortunate to have accomplished even half of what he has.

    With deep sympathy and respect.

    Cecilia

    Report
  • Comment Link Fay Holloway Shiers Wednesday, 03 August 2022 14:57 posted by Fay Holloway Shiers

    I'm sure David will be missed by many! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

    Report
  • Comment Link Tommy Lee Wednesday, 03 August 2022 13:44 posted by Tommy Lee

    Very nice tribute to your Dad Amanda. I wish I had been able to meet him. It's so obvious that he was an extremely interesting man with numerous blessed talents.

    Report

Leave a comment

Obituaries

  • Helen Margaret Walters

    Helen Margaret Walters

    A memorial service will be held for Helen Margaret Walters on Saturday, December 21, at Riverwood Family in Brookhaven, at

    Read More
  • Sherra Crawford Smith

    Sherra Crawford Smith

    Sherra Crawford Smith, of Brookhaven, died peacefully at her home surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday evening, December 17, 2024.

    Read More
  • Linda Fay Williams

    Linda Fay Williams

    The funeral service for Linda Fay Williams will be 1 p.m., Saturday, December 20, at Riverwood Family, with burial to

    Read More
  • Dennis K. Cotten

    Dennis K. Cotten

    Dennis K. Cotten, 76, of Brookhaven, died December 16, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. He was born January 29, 1948,

    Read More
  • Annette Allen Wilson

    Annette Allen Wilson

    The funeral service for Annette Allen Wilson will be 11 a.m., Friday, December 20, at Mt. Zion Church of Christ,

    Read More
  • Barbara Ruth Davis Todd

    Barbara Ruth Davis Todd

    Graveside service for Barbara Ruth Davis Todd will be 2 p.m., Thursday, December 19th in Sylvarena Baptist Church Cemetery. Mrs.

    Read More
  • Joshua Wilson

    Joshua Wilson "Josh" Dunaway

    Funeral service for Josh Dunaway will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, December 18th, at Riverwood Family. Visitation is from Noon until

    Read More
  • Jerry Lamon Davis

    Jerry Lamon Davis

    The memorial service for Jerry Lamon Davis will be 11 a.m., Monday, December 16, at Riverwood Family. Visitation is from

    Read More
  • Eunice Leurah

    Eunice Leurah "Tommie" Strickland Miller

    The memorial service for Eunice Leurah “Tommie” Strickland Miller will be held at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, December 15, at First

    Read More
  • Peggy Thurman Daniel

    Peggy Thurman Daniel

    A service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 13, at Oakvale Baptist Church to honor the memory

    Read More
  • John Patrick Hodge

    John Patrick Hodge

    The funeral service for John Patrick Hodge will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, December 11, at Fair River Baptist Church with

    Read More
  • Ronny Wayne Thompson

    Ronny Wayne Thompson

    The funeral service for Ronny Wayne Thompson will be 3 p.m., Thursday, December 12th at Riverwood Family. Visitation is from

    Read More
  • Charles Glenn

    Charles Glenn "Chuck" Laird

    Obituary Document The funeral service for Charles Glenn Laird will be at 2 p.m., Monday, December 9, at Riverwood Family,

    Read More
  • Jeanna McManus Hartzog

    Jeanna McManus Hartzog

    The funeral service for Jeanna McManus Hartzog will be 10 a.m., Thursday, December 12, at Easthaven Baptist Church with burial

    Read More
  • Vicki Renee McCullough

    Vicki Renee McCullough

    Graveside service for Vicki Renee McCullough will be 11 a.m., Thursday, December 5, in Clear Branch Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation

    Read More
  • Lena Mae Huhn Townsend Thames

    Lena Mae Huhn Townsend Thames

    The funeral service for Lena Mae Huhn Townsend Thames will be 2 p.m., Saturday, December 7, at Riverwood Family, with

    Read More
  • Belinda

    Belinda "Gail" Hudson

    The funeral service for Belinda “Gail” Hudson will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, December 4, at Riverwood Family with burial in

    Read More
  • Shanna Case Lee

    Shanna Case Lee

    The funeral service for Shanna Case Lee will be 2 p.m., Tuesday, December 3, at Philadelphia Baptist Church, with burial

    Read More
  • Margaret Marascalco Weathersby

    Margaret Marascalco Weathersby

    It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Margaret Marascalco Weathersby, who departed this life on November

    Read More
  • Robert Dean

    Robert Dean "Tony" Archer

    Robert Dean (Tony) Archer, 84, Of Brookhaven, passed from this life on November 29, 2024 at King’s Daughters Medical Center.

    Read More
  • 1

Obituaries

  • Helen Margaret Walters

    Helen Margaret Walters

    A memorial service will be held for Helen Margaret Walters on Saturday, December 21, at Riverwood Family in Brookhaven, at

    Read More
  • Sherra Crawford Smith

    Sherra Crawford Smith

    Sherra Crawford Smith, of Brookhaven, died peacefully at her home surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday evening, December 17, 2024.

    Read More
  • Linda Fay Williams

    Linda Fay Williams

    The funeral service for Linda Fay Williams will be 1 p.m., Saturday, December 20, at Riverwood Family, with burial to

    Read More
  • Dennis K. Cotten

    Dennis K. Cotten

    Dennis K. Cotten, 76, of Brookhaven, died December 16, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. He was born January 29, 1948,

    Read More
  • Annette Allen Wilson

    Annette Allen Wilson

    The funeral service for Annette Allen Wilson will be 11 a.m., Friday, December 20, at Mt. Zion Church of Christ,

    Read More
  • Barbara Ruth Davis Todd

    Barbara Ruth Davis Todd

    Graveside service for Barbara Ruth Davis Todd will be 2 p.m., Thursday, December 19th in Sylvarena Baptist Church Cemetery. Mrs.

    Read More
  • Joshua Wilson

    Joshua Wilson "Josh" Dunaway

    Funeral service for Josh Dunaway will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, December 18th, at Riverwood Family. Visitation is from Noon until

    Read More
  • Jerry Lamon Davis

    Jerry Lamon Davis

    The memorial service for Jerry Lamon Davis will be 11 a.m., Monday, December 16, at Riverwood Family. Visitation is from

    Read More
  • Eunice Leurah

    Eunice Leurah "Tommie" Strickland Miller

    The memorial service for Eunice Leurah “Tommie” Strickland Miller will be held at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, December 15, at First

    Read More
  • Peggy Thurman Daniel

    Peggy Thurman Daniel

    A service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 13, at Oakvale Baptist Church to honor the memory

    Read More
  • John Patrick Hodge

    John Patrick Hodge

    The funeral service for John Patrick Hodge will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, December 11, at Fair River Baptist Church with

    Read More
  • Ronny Wayne Thompson

    Ronny Wayne Thompson

    The funeral service for Ronny Wayne Thompson will be 3 p.m., Thursday, December 12th at Riverwood Family. Visitation is from

    Read More
  • Charles Glenn

    Charles Glenn "Chuck" Laird

    Obituary Document The funeral service for Charles Glenn Laird will be at 2 p.m., Monday, December 9, at Riverwood Family,

    Read More
  • Jeanna McManus Hartzog

    Jeanna McManus Hartzog

    The funeral service for Jeanna McManus Hartzog will be 10 a.m., Thursday, December 12, at Easthaven Baptist Church with burial

    Read More
  • Vicki Renee McCullough

    Vicki Renee McCullough

    Graveside service for Vicki Renee McCullough will be 11 a.m., Thursday, December 5, in Clear Branch Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation

    Read More
  • Lena Mae Huhn Townsend Thames

    Lena Mae Huhn Townsend Thames

    The funeral service for Lena Mae Huhn Townsend Thames will be 2 p.m., Saturday, December 7, at Riverwood Family, with

    Read More
  • Belinda

    Belinda "Gail" Hudson

    The funeral service for Belinda “Gail” Hudson will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, December 4, at Riverwood Family with burial in

    Read More
  • Shanna Case Lee

    Shanna Case Lee

    The funeral service for Shanna Case Lee will be 2 p.m., Tuesday, December 3, at Philadelphia Baptist Church, with burial

    Read More
  • Margaret Marascalco Weathersby

    Margaret Marascalco Weathersby

    It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Margaret Marascalco Weathersby, who departed this life on November

    Read More
  • Robert Dean

    Robert Dean "Tony" Archer

    Robert Dean (Tony) Archer, 84, Of Brookhaven, passed from this life on November 29, 2024 at King’s Daughters Medical Center.

    Read More
  • 1

Local Florists

Bertha's Flower Shop
103 West Chickasaw Street
Brookhaven, MS 39601
(601) 833-2561 
Elaina Anders Flowers
515 Brookway Blvd
Brookhaven, MS 39601
(601) 265-2272 
Hetty Bug's Flowers
731 Chestnut Ln SE
Bogue Chitto, MS 39629
(601) 757-1716 
 Roots & Ribbons
100 West Court Street
Brookhaven, MS 39601
(601) 835-2708