Johnny Harold Powell, 74, of Athens, TN, passed away on March 16, 2026, at Starr Regional Medical Center after complications from recent open-heart surgery.

Johnny was born on September 28, 1951, in Decatur, TN, to the late Harold Powell and Nora Azilee Hill. From a young age, he carried a strong work ethic and became a well-known and highly respected welder in the area, proudly owning and operating his business, "JP's Welding," for many years. Johnny took great pride in his work and truly loved what he did.

But if you knew Johnny, you knew his life was about so much more than his work.

He loved being outdoors, especially riding horses, & over the years, he surrounded himself with many different animals, finding companionship in their presence. Johnny was a true jack of all trades; there wasn't much he couldn't fix, figure out, or make better.

More than anything, though, Johnny will be remembered for the kind of man he was.

He had a way of making people laugh, always ready with a joke or a playful comment. He was warm, kind, and deeply genuine. If someone needed help, Johnny didn't hesitate, he showed up. He was the kind of man people trusted, not just because of what he said, but because of how he lived. Honest, dependable, and steady, Johnny was someone you could count on.

To his family, he was everything.

He was a proud and loving father, and an incredibly devoted grandfather. His children and grandchildren were the center of his world, and nothing brought him more joy than being with them. The love he gave so freely will live on in each of them in the stories they share, the laughter they remember, and the values he quietly instilled.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Powell and Nora Azilee Hill; his daughter, Misty Jean Powell; and his brothers, Ricky, Dennis, and David Powell.

He leaves behind a family who will forever carry his memory in their hearts: his children, Matthew Powell, Amanda Powell (Matthew "Tiny" Recht), Darrell Powell, Phillip Powell, and Craig Powell; his beloved grandchildren, Azilee Donna Powell, Brittany Tate, Phillip Tate, Leland Tate, and Jase Recht, along with many other grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were so dear to him; his sisters, Carol Kennedy, Elizabeth Boles, & Diane "Sis"; his brothers, Jerry Powell, Michael Hill, & Lloyd Powell; his close & longtime friends, Jeremy and Ester Womack; his first wife, Sheila DeCost; and his second wife, Diane Adams; along with many extended family members and dear friends. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

The family will receive guests on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., followed by a celebration of life at 8:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Gary King at the chapel of Companion Funeral Home in Athens, TN. 

This service will be a joint service honoring the lives and memories of Johnny and his brother, David Powell, who passed shortly before Johnny.