Lt. Col. Gregory Scott Powell

Gregg Powell peacefully entered the kingdom of heaven on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas with the love of his life, his wife Donna Powell next to him. Gregg and Donna bravely fought his ALS battle together for over 17 years.

Gregg was born October 21,1962, in Dallas, Texas. Growing up, Gregg and his family moved to multiple Air Force bases in the United States while his father continued his career as an Air Force Officer. He also spent a year in England with his mother's family, while his father Lee Powell served his country in Vietnam during 1967-68. Gregg was a member of the Boy Scouts of America while living in Florida during his early years and became one of the youngest in Florida to earn a distinguished rank of Eagle Scout. In 1976, Gregg also attended the Philmont Scout Ranch near Cimarron, New Mexico, the premier high adventure camp for Scouting.

Gregg attended Fairborn High School near Dayton, Ohio and graduated in 1980. Following graduation, Gregg returned to Florida to attend the University of Florida where he joined the ROTC program and enjoyed his time as Kappa Sigma before receiving his BA in Finance in 1984. Gregg later attended the esteemed Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and received a Masters degree in Aeronautical Science during his career.

His Air Force career began at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio, Texas where he completed Undergraduate Pilot Training and was assigned there as a Instructor Pilot. By good luck and fate, Gregg met Donna Sue Howard during his time in Del Rio and they married on September 8,1990. Shortly after, the couple was stationed at Norton AFB in California where Gregg flew C141 cargo planes in the Pacific until he was called to serve in the 1991 Persian Gulf War. Gregg completed his active-duty military career in 1998 and went to spend another 6 years in the Reserves, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Gregg joined Southwest Airlines and flew as a Captain from 1998-2006 until he was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Thankfully, Gregg was able to enjoy the early years after his diagnosis as a retiree actively biking, hiking, and fishing, particularly in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and spending time doing all of these activities with a wealth of close friends and family. Gregg also enjoyed water and snow skiing, boating, running, and watching his Florida Gators play football.

Gregg will be remembered for his sharp mind, quick wit, and mischievous grin, and even more so by his kindness and his loving heart.

Gregg is survived by his wife of 33 years, Donna Sue (Howard) Powell of San Antonio, Texas; mother Joy Powell of Birkenhead, England; stepmother Jane Powell of Dayton, Ohio; brother Lance Powell and wife Emily of Plano, Texas and nephew Mitchell Powell of Houston, Texas; mother-in-law Barbara Howard; brother-in-law Ralph Howard; and sister-in-law Catherine Ann Healy. He is also survived by his uncle and aunt Mike and Zena Roberts of Birkenhead, England; aunt Betty Powell of Northampton, Massachusetts; cousins James Pearson, Ben Pearson, and Heidi Benjamin of England, Dale Roberts of France; cousins Betsy Powell, Stephen Powell, Meg Powell of the United States; and nieces and nephews, Sarah Beth Cooner, Claire Saunders, Ryan Healy, Luke Healy, and John Healy.

Gregg is preceded in death by his father Colonel Lee Powell, nephew Grant Powell, uncle Bob Powell, and stepsister Rae Metz.

A committal service for Gregory will be held Friday, October 27, 2023 from 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery Shelter #4, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209. A reception will follow from 4pm-6pm at The Club at Sonterra.

With heavy hearts but joyful spirits, we do not say goodbye but so long for now, Gregg. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the ALS Association at www.als.org or a charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SunsetNorthFuneralHome.com for the Powell family.