Gary Allen Powers

The Powers Family is saddened to announce the death of their father, Gary Allen Powers. Gary Powers passed away peacefully in his home on January 6th, 2025. For those that did not know Gary and encountered him, they would likely say he was salty and rough around the edges. Those that knew him, would likely not disagree. For those that knew him well, they would swear by it and still gladly choose to stand with him through whatever conflicts may arise. Our father was a great man who taught us how to love those who are dear to us and how to fight anyone who would threaten us. Gary Powers was a man of honor who committed his life to one of service to our great country and our family. God, Family, and Country. That was our father. Gary served in the United States Army and our family is proud of his service to our country that saw him deployed to Vietnam during the Vietnam War where he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal in the field for his service during the war. After marrying our mother, Susan, in 1973, Gary found a career at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory where he served our country as an electrician for nearly 40 more years. As a father, he taught his family to love their country, to love each other, and how to take care of both. His accomplishments as a man were too many to list, but we think he would agree that his best was marrying our mother, Susan. While our family is saddened by his loss, we find comfort in knowing they are finally reunited.

Gary is preceded in death by his loving wife Susan Larabee Powers, as well as his parents, Jack and Mildred Powers. He is survived by his sister, Sharon Clemons. Gary is also survived by his five children, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Surviving family include Daughter, Crystal Powers, Grandchild Brianna Jordan and husband Mykal, Great Grandchildren Jessie and Elaine Jordan; Son, Jack Powers, Grandchildren Haley and Caitlyn Powers; Son, James Powers and wife Celia Powers, Grandchildren Isaiah, Landon, and Alexandria Powers; Daughter, Dr. Kayla Powers Jones, Grandchildren Ayden, Austen, and Autumn Jones; and Son, Joshua Powers. We siblings also claim Darin McBride, father of Brianna Jordan, as our own immediate family, and we know our father felt the same way.

As a man of service to his family and country, Gary was a member of the American Legion. Having served in the Vietnam War, Gary returned home to a time and country that historically was not good to its veterans. We are free because men like our father, and those that came both before and after him, chose to fight for our freedom. We know our father would be excited to support veterans. If you are so inclined and want to honor our father, a secondary option to flowers would be to make a donation to the American Legion in our father’s name, should you feel so inclined.

For his children, we will miss him dearly, but we find comfort knowing that the lives we enjoy today are because of the sacrifices he made for us his entire life. No man ever lived more for or loved his children more than our father. 

If there are any solicitors or telemarketers in heaven, be warned, our Dad is coming. We thought it appropriate to give them a warning that he is on his way. 

We love you Dad. Thank you for what you gave to the world and to us. Now rest easy with Mom and we will try to live a life as impactful on the world as you did.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, January 15th 2025 between the hours of 10:00am - 12:00pm at Mott-McKamey Funeral Home in Oak Ridge. A graveside service will follow at Oak Ridge Memorial Park with military honors. 

Mott-McKamey Funeral Home and Cremations is assisting the Powers family.