Rufus Earl Powe

     Rufus Earl Powe was born on November 2, 1953, to the late John Powe and Ruby
McDaniel Powe in Birmingham, Alabama. He was the sixth of eight children.
He professed Christ at an early age and attended the 17th Street AOH Church of God. In later
years, he united with Tabernacle Baptist Church under the leadership of the Reverend Dr.
Christopher M. Hamlin where he served faithfully as a member of the male chorus. He enjoyed
singing praises unto the Lord with all his heart.
     Rufus was educated in the Birmingham City School System. He was a graduate of Carver High
School, Class of 1972. He entered the US Navy serving two years as a Boatswain’s Mate. He
was honorably discharged. He later furthered his education attending both Jefferson and Lawson
State Colleges. Mentored early in life by his father, Rufus was an excellent barber. He was
employed by the Veteran’s Administration for over ten years before retiring on disability.
     On October 15, 1977, Rufus was united in holy matrimony to Mary White. To this union, two
children were born: Angela Marie and Rufus Maurice.
     A beautiful soul and sweet spirit, to know Rufus was to love him. He wore an infectious smile
that lifted the spirit of everyone he met. Even with his own physical limitations, he provided
care to countless others. Overcoming many obstacles along his journey, Rufus was a testament
of God’s undeniable deliverance, and healing power. Rufus was a loyal and loving husband,
father, father-in-law, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend to the very end.
His life echoed his favorite song “Everybody ought to praise His Name”.
     Friends of Rufus agree he was fun to be around. He was very intelligent, and had a good sense of
humor. He was both a great talker and listener. Rufus was also very knowledgeable of all sports
and always excited to see a “good game”. Rufus also enjoyed eating a good meal. Each day he
started with a big breakfast, and for years on weekdays he ate his breakfast while faithfully
watching The Price Right followed by The Young and the Restless.
     He peacefully exchanged time for eternity to be with the Lord on April 7, 2025.
He was preceded in death by both parents, John and Ruby Powe, and one sibling, Paul Edward
Powe.
     He leaves to cherish his memories: a loving and devoted wife of 47 years, Mary Powe, one
beloved son, Rufus Maurice Powe, one treasured daughter, Angela Marie Powe Quick, one
endearing son-in-law, Matthew Quick, three adored grandchildren, Allan, Madison and Madeline
“Lulu”, two brothers, John Powe and Sam Powe, four sisters, Queen Carter, Minnie Tolbert
(Larry), Lollie Ashley (Ben), and Theresa Pittman (Gary), two sisters-in-law, JoAnn White and

Lula White, and a host of nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, cousins, other relatives, and

friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rufus Earl Powe, please visit our floral store.