James Forest Powell

Published 3:16 pm Tuesday, March 11, 2025

James Forest Powell, of Sanford, passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2025, a few weeks short of his 94th birthday. For those who want to participate in the celebration of his life, visitation with the family will be held at Foreman Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 12, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. followed by graveside services in the cemetery of the First Baptist Church of Sanford at 2 p.m.

Mr. Powell is the last surviving child of George W. Powell and Leonia Crews Powell. Preceding him in death is his wife of over 68 years, Dorothy Black Powell along with three sisters: Ola

Powell Glaze (Wade), Tressie Powell Leonard (Alec), Jewell Powell Holt (Rex), and four brothers: Andy Powell (Myrtie), Ralph Powell (Jean), George Powell, Jr. (Madge), and Daniel Edward Powell (Jeanette). He is survived by his two children, Sheri Powell of Sanford, and Dr. Gregory Powell (Dr. Cheryl Blanck) of Andalusia.

Born in Geneva County in 1931, his parents eventually decided to move to Covington County to live on a small farm in Sanford in 1946. It was only a few years later he was drafted and served in the Korean War. In 1955, he married Dorothy Powell and in 1961 he moved his young family to a house built a few hundred yards down the road from his father’s house. Here he lived the remainder of his life.

He was active in his community. Mr. Powell served as deacon at the First Baptist Church of Sanford for more than 50 years. He was Mayor of the Town of Sanford for 22 years and was instrumental in bringing the first water system to Sanford and organizing Sanford’s first

Volunteer Fire Department.

His primary occupations involved poultry production and cattle ranching. In 1996 he was awarded the Outstanding Farm Family by the Opp and Covington County Area Chamber of

Commerce. He also served 14 years as director and then four years as president of the Opp Cooperative Cattle Sales.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Sanford Cemetery Fund, 18787 Thomasson Lane, Andalusia, AL 36420.