Clay Phillip “Phil” Powell, Sr., age 93 of Centre, passed away Saturday, October 4, 2025, at his residence.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the Centre First United Methodist Church with Rev. Chris Cone officiating.  Burial will follow in Cherokee Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends at the church from 1:30PM until the time of service on Tuesday.

Pallbearers will include John Powell Mansfield, Mark Powell Mansfield, Lawrence Ellis Mansfield, III, Dylan Scott Cochran, Keith Allen Cochran, and Sidney Blair Garrett.  Honorary Pallbearers will be the Employees of the City of Centre while he was Mayor.

Mr. Powell is survived by his wife of 68 years, Frankie Smith Powell, and his son, Phillip Powell, along with a niece and several nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. William Henry  and Willie Mae Gwen Powell, brother, Gerald Henry Powell, and sister, Willyne Powell Mansfield.

Mr. Powell was a native of Centre.  He was a graduate of Cherokee County High School where he played all sports, and was all-state in football.  He went on to play football at Howard College, as well as playing football while in the Army.  After his service, he also played football for Jacksonville State University and graduated in 1957.  He retired from Goodyear after 25 years, and then served as Mayor of Centre for 12 years.  He was a member of the Rotary Club and served as President for one term.  He was active in the Chamber of Commerce and the Taste of Cherokee.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing golf.

The Powell family respectfully requests no flowers, no plants, and no food.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Centre First United Methodist Church,  PO Box 296, Centre, AL 35960.  The family would also like to thank the many people that were so lovingly involved in Phil’s care, including Lori Ann Powell, Allyson Curry, Joyce and Tommy Price, the employees of Cherokee Home Health, and the employees of Amedysis Hospice.

Perry Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

www.perryfuneral.net