COLLIERVILLE, Tenn. (July 10, 2012)—Urethane industry veteran Michael G. Powell Sr., 65, died in his Collierville home June 19.
Before retiring, Powell served as vice president and manager of Bailey-Parks Urethane Co.'s Roller Division. He held a number of positions at the company—founded in 1969 as Polyurethane Products in Memphis, Tenn.—after he joined the firm in 1971.
At that time, he wrote in a letter that appeared in a company newsletter, “we had a very small work crew and each of us did many jobs, from sweeping the floor to stripping cores, grinding and finishing.”
The company grew steadily over the next four decades with its innovative engineering capabilities, and Powell advanced upward to the Roller Division vice presidency.
A U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, his burial with military honors at the West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery was held June 26 following a funeral service.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Marquette; daughter Melissa Powell; son Michael G. Powell Jr.; sister Heather Powell Cope; brothers Steve Powell, David Powell and Scott Bailey; and granddaughters Jenasis Powell and Lilly Powell-Parrish.