Raymond "Herb" Herbert Powers

Raymond “Herb” Herbert Powers, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 94. Born on January 2, 1932, in Reidville, South Carolina, Herb lived a long, meaningful life devoted to his family, his work, his community and his country.

In 1950, at just 18 years old, Herb proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force. He began his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, before serving as a military police officer, detective sergeant, and radar operator. His service included assignment at Patrick Air Force Base in Melbourne, Florida and foreign duty at Newfoundland Air Force Base. Herb carried with him the discipline, work ethic, dedication and sense of honor he developed in the military throughout his entire life.

Herb’s working career reflected his work ethic, determination, versatility, and creativeness. He served as a grocery manager and a machine shop operator before establishing and running his own business, Powers’s Gulf Service Station. He finished his working career with his love of raising cattle, farming hay and growing an amazing abundant garden that he enjoyed sharing with family and friends.

On April 5, 1953, Herb married his love, Arleen Viva Clark in a whirlwind courtship. Their marriage spanned 70 years. They were blessed to raise a large and loving family of 5 children and include more than 60 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-children. Family and work was at the heart of everything Herb did and he found his greatest joy in the gatherings and meals they all shared together.

Herb is survived by his brother, Lee Powers of Moore; his daughters, Candy Hanna (Niles) of Enoree and Sharon Havird (Eddie) of Batesburg; his son, Mitchell Powers (Dale) of Enoree; his 16 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Berry Powers and Flora Davis Powers; his sister, Patrica Powers Blackwell; his brother, Douglas Powers; his daughter, Linda Powers Bryson; his son-in-law, Earl Bryson; his son, Michael Raymond Powers; his grandson, Jimmy Bryson; and his granddaughter, Megan Clardy. Though deeply missed, Herb has now been united with these loved ones in eternal rest.

The family would like to thank his loving and amazing caretakers, granddaughters, Sherry B. Evans and Mandy P. Lane, NHC Clinton, nurses, technicians and staff that became our family, Andrea and Brittany Lane and Pruitt Health Hospice; Laney, Rebecca and staff.

A service to celebrate Herb’s life will be held at Owings Presbyterian Church, Owings, SC on February 8 at 3:00pm with visitation prior at 2:00 in the church.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Owings Presbyterian Church, PO Box 615, Gray Court, SC 29645 or Pruitt Health Hospice, 301 Halton Road, Greenville, SC 29607.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online by visiting www.grayfuneralhome.com.

Gray Funeral Home of Laurens is honored to assist the Powers family with services.