Henry William Powell, III was born in Eudora, Arkansas the second child of Edna Johnson Powell and Henry William Powell, II on August 20, 1938.  He professed Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of 12 at Jericho Missionary Baptist Church under the pastoral direction of Rev. E. L. Carter. As a child, his primary education was achieved in the Eudora public school system and he matriculated from Arkansas AM&N, currently known as the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff with a degree in accounting. Henry was drafted into the Army in September of 1961 and was sent to Vietnam where he served for three years and was Honorably Discharged in June of 1964. He married Barbara Jean Newson shortly after returning from Vietnam on July 3, 1964, in Gary, Indiana.

Henry worked for Supreme Insurance Company selling life insurance door to door. Following that he went to work for Shell Oil Corporation as an accountant in their Motor Fuel Tax Department in Chicago, IL.  He then relocated to Shell's Houston Information Center where he remained until his retirement in December H1992.

He returned to Arkansas during his retirement to live in Hot Springs Village in 1999.  During his retirement, he became a member of Barcelona Road Baptist Church, where he's served as a Deacon and a member of the Finance Committee. He was also a member of the Shell Oil Retiree's Club.

Henry had a great love for genealogy. Tracing his family's lineage back to slavery. He thrived on researching and discovering his family roots. He was always excited to share his discoveries with the family.

Besides his family, Henry had many loves. He loved conversing and was a great conversationalist. Spinning tales about his childhood as well as sharing his very pointed opinion with all. Henry similarly enjoyed sharing his love of cooking with all.  While he had his tried-and-true favorites, he enjoyed experimenting and executing new recipes. He was truly at home in the kitchen.  He was a classic jazz enthusiast and loved the greats like Miles Davis and John Coltrane.

Henry is survived by his devoted wife Barbara of 57 years, his four devoted children – DeCarla Annette Hilliard (Ricky); Evanston, IL, Brenton Ashley Powell; Houston, TX, Vincent Avery Powell; Spring TX, and Russell Allen Powell; Houston, TX. Three grandchildren – Ryan Blake Hilliard (Henna), Mississauga, ON, Roderick Powell Hilliard; Evanston, IL, Adam Martin Powell; Silver Spring MD and two great-grandchildren – Fajr Khwaja-Hilliard and Qadr Khawja-Hilliard. Along with his loving sister Delores Powell; South Bend, IN, his nieces and great-nieces, great-nephews, and a host of friends.

The memorial service will be Saturday, April 23, 2022, at 12 Noon at Barcelona Road Baptist Church 390 Barcelona Rd. Hot Springs Village AR. 71909