Marcus Frederick "Fred" Powell, Sr., 70, of Tifton passed away Saturday, June 8, 2024, at his residence. His funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Tifton's First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Chip Grantham officiating. Mr. Powell will be laid to rest at Oak Ridge Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Tifton's First United Methodist Church from 1:00 pm until the hour of the service. Fred's nephews, Joe Riddle, Daniel Riddle, Hardy Gordon, Adam Gordon, Luke Gordon, Tyler Riddle, Chase Riddle and Hampton Riddle, will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Fred's nieces and remaining nephews, Woody O'Neal, Joe O'Neal, Sam McKenzie and Jim McKenzie
Born January 10, 1954, in Tifton, Mr. Powell was the son of the late Glen Powell and Winona Norman Powell. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Charlie Powell and Ben Powell. He is co-owner of The Cotton Gin in Lenox, as well as General Manager for the past 34 years. He was a member of Tifton's First United Methodist Church. He also served on the Board of Directors at Chickasha of Georgia.
Fred is survived by his wife, Sarah Powell of Tifton; three sons and three daughters-in-law, JP and Christina Petsch of Jacksonville, Florida, Brian Nelson and Brittany Petsch of Tifton and Rick and Niki Powell of Tifton; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Glennis and Ed Sykes of Fernandina Beach, Florida and Lynn and Phil McKenzie of Lake Oconee; a sister-in-law, Ann Powell of Maryland; three grandchildren, Mason and Thomas Petsch and Madison Petsch; and his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Judy Riddle Fletcher of Alabama, Susan Riddle Gordon of Saint Simons, and Dave Joe Riddle and Tom and Julie Riddle, all of Tifton.
Fred graduated from Tift County High School in 1972 and briefly attended ABAC. He later transferred to the University of Georgia and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture in 1977. He was an avid Bulldog fan and could be found rooting them on to victory every fall Saturday. After college, he immediately began working at South Georgia Bank. He then transitioned from the banking industry and joined the Pike Creek turf grass business. Fred finally joined his long-term endeavor as co-owner and General Manager of The Cotton Gin in Lenox.
Fred and Sarah were married on July 29, 1991. For 33 years Fred was a devoted husband that lived each day as a sweet and gentle man. He will forever remain in our hearts.
Fred’s consistent, gentle temperament was his greatest strength. He made everything easy, was slow to anger, quick to joke & laugh, and had unconditional love to share. He was respectful and honest with everyone he encountered. These daily actions resulted in his unquestioned integrity. It was the example he wanted to create for his three sons. His unconditional love and gentle side was never more evident than the time he spent with his grandchildren. He adored Mason, Madison and Thomas and always had time to listen, interact, and spend quality time with them.
Flowers will be accepted, or memorial gifts may be made to Tifton's First United Methodist Church, 107 12th Street West, Tifton, GA, or a charity of choice.