Leslie Ray Powell, 88, of Beaumont, passed away June 2, 2015. He was born on July 14, 1926, in Purdon, Navarro County, Texas to Zuma Hardy Powell and Leslie Earl Powell. He grew up near Corsicana in Navarro County, Texas. He was of the Episcopal faith.
Ray's family later moved to Port Arthur, where he attended and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School. Shortly after high school graduation, Ray began his career at Neches-Butane as an instrument technician, where he retired some forty years later.
In the 1960's, Ray met and married the former Patricia "Pat" Jones Placette. They lived in Port Neches for many years before relocating to Tyler for twenty years after retirement. Pat passed away in 2008. Ray remained in Tyler until 2012 before declining health necessitated a move to Calder Woods Senior Living Community in Beaumont to be near his family.
In addition to his wife, Ray is preceded in death by his parents; a sister, LaDel Pugh; a son, Randy Powell; and a step-son, Michael Placette.
Ray is survived by one son, Roger Powell and his wife, Cindy, of Nederland; four step-sons, David Placette of Beaumont, Karl Placette of Franklin, Pennsylvania, Jay Placette of Bismarck, Arkansas, and Richard Placette of Nederland; two brothers, Clifford Powell of San Antonio and Curtis Powell and his wife, Barbara, of Beaumont; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A gathering of Mr. Powell’s family and friends will be 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., Thursday, June 4, 2015, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 5, 2015, at Broussard’s, with interment to follow at Tyler Memorial Park, 12053 Highway 64, Tyler.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 700 North Street Suite M, Beaumont, Texas 77701.
