Ottis Lenville Powell

Ottis Lenville Powell, age 82, went to his heavenly home on January 4, 2021. He was loved by many, never met a stranger and was always smiling. His signature phrase was “life is good” and his actions reflected that daily. He saw the good in everyone, no matter who they were or what their circumstances. He loved to golf, laugh and spend time with family and friends. He spent his years as a student at Eagleton, Rocky Branch and Walland. He dedicated over 40 years as a classroom teacher, coach and administrator in Blount County Schools at Walland and Heritage High School. He was honored with several awards such as Regional Golf Coach of the Year, and held many supervisory roles; however, if you asked him what was most rewarding, it would be to see the smiles on students’ and players’ faces, to help them accomplish a goal, and for them to feel encouraged. He treated each student with respect no matter their physical or mental capabilities and wanted each one to be successful. He was inducted into the Blount County Sports Hall of Fame in 2015, the 1st annual Blount County Schools Educator Hall of Fame and the Heritage High School Sports Hall of Fame both in 2018. He has been a huge, positive influence on the many lives he touched over the years. He had a caring and kind heart which was full of encouragement, a positive attitude and genuine concern for everyone around him. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lennie and Ottis Powell. He is survived by the love of his life Lynn Powell, wife of 61 years, special sisters, brothers, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews and many special friends. Thank you Unk and Coach Pal for sharing your life with us. Friends and family can call at their convenience from 2:00 until 4:00 PM on Thursday, January 7, 2021 and from 8 am to 12 Noon on Friday, January 8, 2021 at Smith Chapel (Maryville, TN). A celebration of life service will be held at a later date in remembrance of Coach Powell when all of our family and friends can attend to honor his life. The family has requested no flowers. Donations can be made to Blount County Schools, ℅ Kristi Yates, 831 Grandview Dr., Maryville, TN 37803, Rocky Branch Community Center, PO Box 118, Walland, TN, 37886 or West Millers Cove Primitive Baptist Church, ℅ Stanley Headrick, 217 Hatcher Creek Lane, Walland, TN, 37886 in honor of his memory. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ottis Lenville Powell please visit our Sympathy Store.