Thomas Powell

Thomas Powell, age 63 of Odessa, TX passed away on December 22, 2014 at his home in Odessa.

Thomas Wayne Powell was born in Hobbs, New Mexico on Sept 15, 1951. He was born with one tooth which made him a front page feature in the local newspaper. Thom graduated from Hobbs High School and attended New Mexico Junior College where he played on the college golf team. He was a staff sergeant in the United States Marine Corps for twelve years where he served as a Drill Instructor and in the 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company. Thom got his USGA Pro card after leaving the Marine Corps and was a club golf professional for the next fifteen years. He played golf all over the West Coast and was a true lover of the game. He was an excellent golf instructor and had an ability to fix almost anybodys swing problems. Thom moved to Odessa and worked as a transport driver for the last ten years. Thom would tell you that his life really began August 16, 2009, when he became best friends with Bill W. and met his true love, his wife Sharon. Thom and Sharon absolutely adored one another. She was his lady, and he was her man. When he married Sharon, he got a loving daughter, Julie Gray. Thom was particularly close with his niece CT, aka Sara Kate BillingsleyAllen with whom he lived for a couple of years. CT can recite Thoms stories, almost as well as Thom could with love, emotion, and embellishment all to make the story better. Thom was truly a grinder and a gentleman. He was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer in July. He embraced his treatment with a tremendous attitude and never complained. Thom knew that he had a terminal illness, but he and his family adopted the slogan, Were all gonna die, but not today The Nurses at Texas Oncology named Thoms girls: Sharon, Peggy, Julie and Sara Kate the Harem as they travelled in a pack during his treatment journey. Thom had a tremendous work ethic and especially respected Roy Strange and Mike Gardener, his supervisors at Rockwater, to whom his family will be forever grateful for their caring and support during the last 6 months. Raised by a single working mom, Thoms sister Peggy was as much his mom as his sister, faithful to him throughout his life. Peggy was able to bring Thom a special peace during these last 6 months that only a Mother can provide. God was so merciful to Thoms family by giving them these last 6 months of quality time to spend together. Thom was a sports enthusiast. He could quote statistics from golf, baseball and football covering the span of fifty years. His love of sports inspired Kenny to load up the family Peggy, Thom, Sharon, Julie, Sara Kate and Mark for a whirlwind Bucket List trip to see the Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine, the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown and the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, just 2 weeks ago. The trip was filled with lasting memories of a family bound by love and joy for one another. This was also the trip where Thom passed on the duty of leading his Harem to Mark Allen. Thoms last day of quality life was Saturday. On the Number 3 tee box, Thom threatened to put a little pop in this one and he hit a beautiful drive, right down the pipe with a small draw, about 80 yards short of the green. Just prior to teeing off, he had made his bets with his cronies: Andy, Billy, Howard and Jarrod. The family: Thom, Peggy, Sara Kate and Mark were taking on the field together. The day was beautiful, Thom was dressed to the nines, and we were winning the first 2 holes It was on that drive where Thom ruptured his stomach, and he lived just 32 hours after that tee shot. We believe that he finished that game on a heavenly golf course. A special thanks to the golf pros at Ratliff: Dylan, Jesse, Landry, Chris and Jared you guys are the best Texas Oncology, Dr. Pankaj Khandelwal, and the great nurses who treated Thom with such compassion and care.

Thom is preceded in death by his mother Jenny Lou Little.

He is survived by his loving wife Sharon, his daughter Julie Gray and husband Michael, his sister Peggy Dean and husband Ken, his niece CT Sara Kate BillingsleyAllen and husbandHarem Leader Mark, his step father Lloyd Little, Walt and his wonderful coworkers at Rockwater, Andy his mentor and brother at heart, and a cadre of golf buddies.

Thom made an anatomical donation in hopes that research from his death might assist in the fight against cancer. Thoms memorial service will be held at the Pavilion at Ratliff Ranch Golf Course at 1:00 PM Sunday, December 28, 2014 officiated by Dr. Jimmy Braswell. A reception will be held immediately after, serving Thoms favorites: Dr. Pepper, hot wings and brownies. Wear your spikes, as a 9hole golf tribute will begin at 2:30, and call the pro shop at 5508181 to reserve your spot in the tribute.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Junior Golf program dedicated to building character and life enhancing value: The First Tee 425 South Legacy Trail, St. Augustine, Florida, 32092 or to the Hope House of Odessa at PO Box 891, Odessa, Texas 79760.

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