Terry Lee Powell

Terry Lee Powell graduated from this life to Heaven on March 9, 2021, at the age of 82, in Claremore, Okla.

Terry was born October 13, 1938, in Osage, Okla., the son of John Delbert Powell and Ida Mae (Self) Powell. At a young age Terry moved with his parents and elder brother to Cleveland where he began his education. Terry excelled in academics, earning medals at math competitions. He was musically talented as well, playing clarinet, oboe, bassoon, and piano. He was active in student council, C club, basketball, football, and yearbook staff. In addition, he served as sports editor for "The Tiger’s Tale." His classmates called him “Tod”. He graduated from Cleveland High School in 1956. Terry attended the University of Oklahoma in Norman for two years.

On June 8, 1958, in Bear Creek, Okla., Terry was united in marriage to Nancy Joan Cunningham. They transferred to Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, Okla. Terry was Senior Class President, graduating in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy which was later elevated to a Pharm D. November 1, 2001. Following graduation, Terry and Joan returned to Cleveland where Terry worked at Cleveland Drug as a pharmacist. In 1967 Terry purchased Reel Drug from Alfred Reel in Sapulpa renaming the facility “A-Real Drug Store”. In the mid 1970’s, Terry and Joan sold the store to Walmart. Terry continued working as a pharmacist in various hospitals, institutional and retail positions in Eastern Oklahoma until his retirement. Terry and Joan lived in Sapulpa for years. They re-located to Tahlequah before relocating to their present home in Claremore in 1990.

Terry frequently marched to the beat of a different drum. He enjoyed life to the fullest. He enjoyed hunting, skeet shooting (shooting 107,400 registered targets) and his dogs. He was skilled in carpentry and mechanics. He could make, fix or repair just about everything. Above all else he loved being with family.

Terry was preceded in death by daughter Sherri Dawn Powell, his parents John Delbert Powell and Ida Mae (Self) Powell and brothers Dr. Jack D. Powell and Gale E. Powell. He is survived by his loving wife, Joan of the home, daughter Terri Shawn Powell of Tulsa, Okla. and brother John Powell of Cleveland, Okla.

His celebration of life will be held on Monday, April 10, 2023, at two o’clock in the afternoon at Cleveland Church of the Nazarene.