Gentry Lee Powell, Jr. was born in Taylor, Texas, and raised in Bartlett, Texas. From an early age, he was affectionately known as “Little Brother,” a nickname given to him by his grandmother, Rebecca “Mama Sis” Carter. The name stayed with him throughout his childhood and remained until he entered high school.

At Bartlett High School, Gentry distinguished himself both academically and athletically, particularly on the football field. There, he became known as Gentry Powell, Jr. and quickly established himself as a dominant force in the game. His exceptional talent and performance earned him All-American Fullback honors, making him one of the most celebrated athletes in the school's history.

A member of the Bartlett High School Class of 1969, Gentry graduated with numerous scholarship offers from prestigious colleges and universities across the nation. He ultimately chose to attend Prairie View A&M University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and the alma mater of both of his parents.

At Prairie View A&M, Gentry earned the nickname “Jackpot” among his teammates and friends because they knew when the ball was in his hands, something good was going to happen. Continuing his football success at the collegiate level, he once again achieved All-American Fullback honors. In doing so, he followed in the footsteps of his father, Gentry Powell, Sr., who had also been recognized as an All-American Fullback at Prairie View during the 1930s.

Gentry married the love of his life, Rosie Lee Johnson, on April 6, 1973. During their 53 blessed years of marriage, they built a loving family and were proud parents to four daughters: Tonya, Jennifer, Chrystal, and Courtney. Their enduring commitment to one another was celebrated through the renewal of their wedding vows on both their 25th and 50th wedding anniversaries.

Following his college years, Gentry began a career with the R.E.A (Rural Electric Association/ Cooperative) and the City of Bartlett, while also serving as a volunteer firefighter for the Bartlett Fire Department. He devoted countless hours to his church, Mt. Ararat Missionary Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as a Deacon.

During a major church renovation project, Gentry made a remarkable faith-driven decision to leave his railroad job and dedicate himself full-time to completing the construction of the church. Among his many contributions, he personally installed the electrical wiring throughout the entire building. Upon the project's completion, he discovered that the railroad position he had sacrificed was waiting for him. He was invited to return immediately as a Communications Technician with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, where he worked for 44 years before retiring.

His career eventually brought his family to Amarillo, Texas, where they made their home for 43 years. In 2026, they relocated to Grand Prairie, Texas, to be closer to family. While living in Amarillo, Gentry continued his lifelong commitment to church service as a Deacon at Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church. He especially cherished singing with the Men's Choir, a ministry that brought him great joy.

Gentry dedicated his life to service, leadership, and community engagement. He served as President of the Alumni and Ex-Students Association of Booker T. Washington and Bartlett High Schools in Bartlett, Texas. He also served as President of the Bartlett Branch of the NAACP and was an active member of the Amarillo Branch of the NAACP. In addition, he was a former member of the Amarillo Lions Club.

Gentry served with distinction as the Honorable Gentry Powell, Democratic Party Chairman for Potter County from 2016 to 2018, demonstrating unwavering dedication to public service and civic leadership. He was a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and followed in his father's footsteps as a Mason.

Gentry is preceded in death by his parents, Gentry Powell Sr. and Marguerite Carter Powell; his eldest daughter, Tonya Powell Wilson; his uncle and aunt, Jimmie Powell Sr. and Janie Mackey Powell; his cousin, Jimmie Powell Jr.; his great-niece, D’onna Destini Powell; and his brother-in-law, Chuck Loatman.

He is survived by the love of his life, his wife Rosie Powell, his children: Mark Wilson; daughters Kenndy Loreal and Kamryn Gabrielle; daughter Jennifer Powell Wells; Giovanni Wells; son Michael Gentry Custis Wells; daughter Chrystal Powell; Desmond Patterson; and son Donivhan Mekhi Patterson; and daughter Courtney Powell Mattheis, Christopher Mattheis; and their children, Cole Alexander, Chase Robert, and Courtlyn Rose Mattheis; and Godson, Marlin Allen, Kamace Allen.

He is also survived by his sister, Carol Powell-Loatman; and his brothers, Gerald Powell (Anna) and Wayne Powell (Lana). He is further survived by his first cousins, Jan Powell-Coffey (David), Jerry Powell (Kellie), Juanda Powell Berquist (Les), and Jason Powell (Ann); along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved him dearly.

The family requests continued prayers during this time.