Irvin Tyrone Powell

In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to the American Heart Association by mail or online:
American Heart Association - 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas TX 75231
https://donatenow.heart.org/?ploc=9010434&gclid=CLSzndKdhc4CFUE7gQodoSQFhQ

Irvin Tyrone Powell was born May 19, 1952, the son of William and Lille Bell Dantzler Powell in Birmingham, AL. He transitioned into eternal life in the early hours of Friday, April 19, 2024, in Columbia, SC.

Irvin attended Hudson Elementary School where he was able to skip an academic year, putting him ahead of his peers. He met his sweetheart, Frances, at Alfanos (Juniors) Neighborhood Store in 1967. As a Snare Drummer in both the Concert and Marching Bands, Irvin led them to the Alabama State Championship with his flawless playing of ‘Trittico’ by composer, Vaclav Nelhybel. Upon graduating from G. W. Carver High School in 1969, Irvin briefly attended Bishop College in Texas, where he pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and later transferred to Alabama State University where he graduated in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science.

Following graduation, Irvin married his sweetheart, Frances Bell on January 25, 1975. In November 1980, he accepted an offer with Phillip Morris USA (Altria) where he was soon promoted to Unit Manager, based in the Columbia, SC area. After 30 years of tireless leadership, he decided to retire in November 2010. In retirement, Irvin enjoyed a good round of golf with friends and vigorously coaching the Lady Gamecocks from his man cave! In retirement he was able to enjoy the birth of two beautiful grandchildren, Lady Havilynn and Sir Ezra, who is his spitting image!

Irvin was a member of Antioch Baptist Church in Collegeville, AL, where he confessed Christ at an early age, upon relocating to Columbia, he then united with First Northeast Baptist Church in Columbia, SC, where he was a tenor, soloist and a member of the singing group “Redeemed”.

Irvin was preceded in death by his loving parents, William and Lillie Bell Powell.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife of 49 years, Frances Powell;  children, Mercedes, and Blakeley;  grandchildren, Havilynn and Ezra;  brothers, Daniel (Martha) and Eric (Delphine), a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and other loving relatives and friends, all of whom will dearly miss him. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Irvin Tyrone Powell, please visit our floral store.