Roll Call Tribute

William Nathan "Bill" Powers, Jr. 

November 3, 1941 - February 17, 2025 

William Nathan Powers, Jr., 83, passed away peacefully February 17, 2025.

Bill was born on November 3, 1941, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina to Norine and William N. Powers, Sr. He grew up on a farm in the community of Steep Hollow, outside of Bryan, Texas. He graduated in 1960 from Stephen F. Austin High School in Bryan where he was the student body president. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1964 with a degree in Agricultural Journalism.

His professional career began as the editor of the Madisonville Meteor newspaper, followed by editor of Texas Agriculture, the monthly publication of the Texas Farm Bureau. Then followed a 40-year career as a lobbyist, working the halls of the State Capitol. He was Executive Vice-President of the Texas Poultry Federation, State Legislative Director of the Texas Farm Bureau, and Legislative Liaison of the Texas Animal Health Commission. He was president of the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council and was an active member of the Texas Agriculture Council. His friendly nature and unwavering integrity earned him untold lifelong friends.

Bill's entire life was dedicated to agriculture, a love that began as the grandson of a Brazos County dairyman. That devotion continues through to sons and grandchildren to this day. Second to his career was his enjoyment of golf, an activity he and his wife, Evelyn, shared together their entire adult lives. He also enjoyed fun times golfing with his many special friends at Austin Country Club.

Bill was a caring and loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and loyal friend. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Evelyn; sons Clayton Scott and Trey Garrison and wife, Kim; grandchildren Carly, Abigail, Nathan and Millie; and brother Kenneth and wife, Cindy. He will be dearly missed by all.

A memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, March 8, at 2:00 p.m. at the Austin Country Club. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.