Roger Allen Powell's Obituary
Roger Allen Powell, 88, a St. Petersburg resident for 68 years, died peacefully on Sunday, November 30th, 2025 surrounded by family in St. Anthony’s Hospital.
Roger was born in Delaware, Ohio on April 4th, 1937 to the late Alfred and Nellie Powell. He was the fourth of five children. He moved to St. Petersburg, Florida in 1957 with an uncle and went to work for the City of St. Pete Traffic Department as a street line painter. He met Judy Sprague and married her on June 4th, 1960. Roger was drafted into the Army in November 1960 and served to October 1962, after which he served three years in the reserves. He shared fond stories of his Army days with his grandkids and great-grandkids. Roger and Judy returned to St. Pete after his service. He went back to work for the City of St. Pete Traffic Department while he and Judy raised their two daughters, Brenda and Bonny. He ran a parking lot stripping business for a decade. He enjoyed tinkering, building anything, including his own airboat, listening to country music, hunting, and anything outdoors. He was an avid animal lover and a father-figure to many. He stayed active after he retired. One of his greatest joys was being known as “Papa” to his granddaughters and his great-granddaughters. They describe him as “one of the kids” because he was truly a kid at heart. He could never sit still; always working on something or spending time with his family. He was a family man at heart. He will be greatly missed and will always be in our hearts.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Nellie Powell, his brothers Lowell and Richard Powell, and his sisters June Alexander and Linda Harter.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Judy Powell, his daughter Brenda Powell, his daughter Bonny Blydenburgh (John), two granddaughters Jessica Lee and Brooke Blydenburgh, two great-granddaughters Brielle Lee and Aleena Fey, step-grandchildren Jessica McMahon (Joseph), Jared Blydenburgh, and Kelsey Gahan (Robert), step-great-grandchildren Baker Gahan and Micah McMahon, and many nieces, nephews, and close friends that he loved dearly.
A celebration of life will be on Saturday, January 31st, 2026 from 2pm to 6pm at 5041 10th St. North, St. Pete, Fl 33703
What’s your fondest memory of Roger?
What’s a lesson you learned from Roger?
Share a story where Roger's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Roger you’ll never forget.
How did Roger make you smile?