Dr. Richmond Powers

Dr Richmond Wade Powers went to his heavenly reward in the early morning hours of Sunday, June 11, 2023 just about the time he would typically be reading his Bible in preparation for the day.

Dr Powers was born September 18, 1931 to Elbert and Hettie Powers in Port Arthur, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents and his only brother, Carl Powers. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Beth Nutter Powers, sons Dennis (Sharon) Powers of Gallatin, TN; Randy (Vicki) Powers of Nashville, TN and daughter, Katie (Ed) Herrick of Gallatin, TN; grandson, Alex (Carly) Powers of Nashville, TN and granddaughter, Hannah (Taylor) Orr of Memphis, TN and one very special great granddaughter, Gracie Orr. He is also survived by a special step-grandson, Travis (Hether) Naybors of Mason, TN and their children, Kaitlynne (Van) Rieman of Florida, and Hayden Naybors of Mason, TN. Wade also leaves behind a large family of brothers and sisters-in-law that loved him very much as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

After graduation from Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, TX he enrolled in Southern Nazarene University in Bethany Oklahoma. It was there he met and married the love of his life, Mary Beth Nutter on July 4, 1952. After graduating from college he pastored Nazarene churches in Enid, OK, West Memphis, AR; Dickson and Nashville, TN. Dr Powers organized the Ist Church of the Nazarene, Hendersonville, TN in 1964.

Dr Powers began his career in education in Hendersonville as a Junior High Band Director and School Counselor. He then became an Assistant Principal followed by becoming a Principal. He was always interested in children and their futures.

In 1980, he received his Doctoral Degree from Peabody of Vanderbilt.

He began his career in higher education as a Faculty member and Director of Admissions at Nashville State Community College when it opened. He then moved to Volunteer State Community College when it opened. He filled a number of different positions during the sixteen years he was a member of the staff. He then became President of Northeast State Community College where he served for almost ten years and was named President Emeritus when he retired. He was also a Trustee of the Volunteer State Foundation.

Upon his retirement, he and Mary Beth moved back to Gallatin, TN to be close to their children and grandchildren. He spent his retirement years cultivating a large garden and working along side his son-in-law, Ed in his family's peach orchard. He loved the time he got to spend with his family and especially his grandchildren, Alex and Hannah.

He served as the Treasurer of Gallatin CARES, a social services organization, where he was particularly proud of the organization's recent burning of the mortgage.

Dr Powers was a member of Gallatin 1S Church of the Nazarene where he taught the Fireside Sunday School Class for over 20 years.

Dr Powers lived his life as a true gentleman with a servant's heart, a devoted husband and father and devout follower of Jesus Christ.

Visitation will be at Crestview Funeral Home in Gallatin on Wednesday June 14 from 5-8 pm.  Funeral Service will be at 10 am Thursday June 15 at Gallatin Church of the Nazarene, with interment to follow at Crestview Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Volunteer State Foundation for Scholarships or Gallatin CARES.