Melvin Rowan who later changed his name to Melvin Franklin Powell, was born in Arme, Tennessee, to the late Johnnie Ann Rowan.
Melvin was educated in Marion County Public School System. He was a graduate of A & I University. He also received his Master’s Degree from Fisk University.
He taught at Booker T. Washington High School until its closing. He later taught at Tyner High School after desegregation was put in place. He left the school system, to work in the life insurance field and was employed by Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company where he worked alongside his dear friend Erskine Peoples, where they made sound progress in business which positively impacted their clients and their community.
Melvin was a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. He was also an Eagle Scout which is the highest level of achievement in scouting, “Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle”
He was a dedicated member of Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church and served as Church Treasurer for a number of years. He loved gardening, fishing and hunting.
Many are left to remember his life, love and laughter. He leaves to cherish his memories a daughter, Janice Haynes, Chattanooga Tn; sons, Melvin Powell, Jr., Chattanooga, Michael Powell, Antioch, Tn., daughter, Lynn Powell Davis.
Public viewing will begin at 12 p.m. on noon on Friday, Jan. 10, and the family will receive friends from 6–8 p.m. at the funeral home.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 11, at 11 a.m. at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will be at Anderson Cemetery in Jasper, Tn.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 423 622-9995.