Ralph Powell Jr

Ralph Jacob Powell Jr. went to heaven on August 8, 2014 while in the company of his loving wife Fatemah (Houri) Kojouri Powell and Grandson Ralph Jacob Powell IV (Jacob). He was born on April 25, 1929 to his parents Sue Mae Freeman Powell (from whom he learned his manners), and Ralph Powell (who taught him mechanics and repair). Ralph enjoyed his childhood growing up in a small town surrounded by mountains, lakes, and community. He loved the boy scouts, sports, and tinkering. Ralph graduated from Jackson County High School in 1947 having played varsity football and basketball. After graduation he joined the army and during his last posting in Ft. Monmouth, NJ met his wife with whom he had two children. The Army career led to a government job at Ft Monmouth, NJ, during which he earned an engineering degree at Monmouth College. He worked 18 years with the government before moving to the private sector in engineering and electronic communications. His new career led to working and living in Tehran, Iran for ten years where he met his wife Fatemah (Houri) Kajouri Powell whom he married in 1979. Geo-politics and work caused a move to Athens, Greece for 7 years while travelling the Middle East and then to San Jose , CA for 16 years. In 1998 Ralph and Houri returned home to Scottsboro to help care for his mother Sue Mae. In addition to being part of the business community in Scottsboro and Huntsville, Ralph was active in the Rotary Club, Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association, and the First United Methodist Church. Ralph Powell is survived by his sister Martha Foster, by his wife Houri, and by his daughter Sandie and Owen Brock with two children and three grandchildren; and son Ralph Jacob Powell III (Jay) and Laura with four children. From Scottsboro to the far reaches of the earth and back, he was a blessing to all. He will be missed. The service will be held at First United Methodist Church on Friday Aug. 15 at 5:00pm with a reception to follow. The family requests that in lieu of flowers please give donations to the church.