803-408-8711(803)-
Don A. Powell
Oct/29/1938 - Nov/17/2011
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David Hudnall posted a condolence
Saturday, May 28, 2022
Sadly after much searching I finally figured out how to reach my long ago mentor Dr. Don Powell, only to learn he had passed away before I had the chance to thank him for a piece of advice that forever changed my life. In 1972-73 I was a USC biology undergraduate. At the recommendation of Dr Patricia Decoursey at USC I joined Dr. Powell’s neurophysiology research lab at the Dorn VAH in order to investigate circadian rhythms in rabbit brains. When I began, my plan was to go to graduate school and study neuroscience. My project was very difficult - what I was trying to do had not been previously accomplished but boy was it fascinating.
One day Dr Powell called me into his office and gave me some advice that changed my life.
David he said the life of a PhD is difficult and entirely subject to the whims of funding agencies (he had recently had a grant rejected). With your grades and accomplishments, you should seriously think of going to med school rather than grad school. You can always return to research if you wish but with an MD your position will be far more secure. I took his advice.
I attended MUSC and Yale, and just last year retired as Professor Emeritus of Pathology at Yale University.
I will forever be indebted to Dr Powell for his sage advice and regret not being able to personally thank him.
Sincerely
S. David Hudnall, M.D.
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Wade Hitzing posted a condolence
Sunday, March 4, 2018
I realize this note is many years late but I just learned of Donnie's death. Donnie and I, along with Tom Creer, started the Doctoral program at FSU on the same day. It quickly became clear that Donnie was probably the brightest person in our class. He was quiet and unassuming but when he did say something it was worth listening to. He was always kind to me and graciously laughed at my attempts to be humorous. The last time I saw him I was speaking at a conference in Columbia and we had lunch together. I was happy to learn that he was pleased with his personal and professional life and I was sorry that our lunch time was so short. Of course I would like to offer my condolences to Donnie's family and friends but it is obvious that ya'll have so much more to be joyful about because you got to share your lives with him.
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Pazderski/Cross Family posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
This is a very sad loss. Dr. Powell was such a kind person. It is a great blessing that he had such a wonderful family and so many who admired and loved him because of his kindness and caring. Our prayers are with all who have been saddened by his loss, as is our deepest sympathy and love.
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Chris Watson posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Don had a tremendous impact on all those who knew him. He was such a positive influence on me, my wife Tammy, and especially my children. He was known as "Papa Don" and he had a special bond with each of them. Louis and Don were very close and enjoyed talking about everything from the current news to how the Braves were doing. As a result Louis is always seeking knowledge and has excelled in school from the start. He gave Mary much needed self confidence and as a consequence she is more outgoing and very popular among her peers. With Natalie Papa Don was able to spend hours at a time with her watching and talking to her while she was on the swing set or playing in the backyard. I'm sure these will always be some of her favorite memories.
We love and miss you Papa Don but you will always remain in our hearts.
The Watson family
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william and juanita pope posted a condolence
Monday, November 21, 2011
Trisha, i;m so sorry about your loss, our prayers will be with you and your family during these difficult days ahead, you were there when we needed someone when we lost sherri, if there is anything we can help you with, we will.
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Chaplain Roger Rich posted a condolence
Monday, November 21, 2011
Dr. Langston Powell and family, you are in my prayers as you deal with the sudden death of Dr. Powell. He was very special to each of you in many different ways and he will be missed by each of you daily. May God give each of you the strength you need each day.
J
Joanie Burke Ledford posted a condolence
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Tris,
I am so sorry to hear about Don's death. I am sorry that I could not be there today with you. Mom told me yesterday.
I will miss seeing Don at the family gatherings.Just know that you are in my prayers at this time. And hopefully we will see each other soon.
Love You, Your cousin Joanie
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Frances Robosson posted a condolence
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Dear Trisha, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I am at a loss for words. It was an honor to know Don for the short time I did know him. (10 years is a short time).
Our memories go back when you and Don got together. We had good times and laughed lots. Don will be greatly missed and he so loved you as I know this because Ronnie and I had the pleasure of fellowshipping with you two for a long time. If you need of anything, please do not hesitate to contact me. I love you and I love Don as well.
To Don's family, (children, grandchildren). My condolences to you all. Don was a great man and enjoyed life to the fullest as I knew him. It is always painful to lose a loved one, however know this, God is in control. I know the love he had for you all because he would talk about each of you and how much he loved gatherings with his family.
God Bless each and everyone.
J
John Disterhoft posted a condolence
Sunday, November 20, 2011
I have known Don for at least 20 years because we work in the neuroscience field of learning and memory and use the same model system, eyeblink conditioning, in our work. Don produced a major body of work on the brain systems involved in associative learning that will live on after him. Don was a great colleague, always generous and gracious to me and to all of us in the field. I will miss him and his great smile.
John Disterhoft
Northwestern University Medical School
Chicago, IL
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Glenda Murphy Donnie posted a condolence
Sunday, November 20, 2011
I'm so sorry to hear of Donnie's death. We grew up together in Wellford and I have fond memories of time spent at their home. My thoughts and prayers are with this family. God Bless. Glenda
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Liz Hamel posted a condolence
Sunday, November 20, 2011
He will be in my heart forever, along with you Trisha, Lang, Pal, Ashley, and Stephanie. He was a total gentleman, very humble, an incredible mentor to so many people, and the best boss anyone could ever have. The memories of our years will never be be forgotten. He was one of my best friends and I always felt felt like we were soul mates. I want you all to know that if you need anything, ever, I'm here for you! I love you all very much!!
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Linda Arrowood posted a condolence
Saturday, November 19, 2011
So sorry about your loss, praying for you that God may guide you through these difficult days.
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Betty Singleton posted a condolence
Saturday, November 19, 2011
I worked for Dr. Powell for many years at the VA Research office and he was a kind and caring man. My deepest sympathy and heartfelt sorrow goes out to his family during this very difficult time.
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Caroline Rennhack posted a condolence
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Tammy, Louis, and Mary Margaret, and family, I'm so very sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers. Let me know if I can do anything. Much love and hugs.
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Marcia and Ken Shew posted a condolence
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Dear Trisha and all the family, I send love and prays to all of you from all my family, Ken and Wilma, Susie and Lance.
We all love Uncle Donnie. It has been so nice to see him so happy these last ten years. You have been so good for him and have been so nice to us all. God Bless you. Marcia and Ken Shew
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Robbie and Teresa Powers posted a condolence
Friday, November 18, 2011
Don will be greatly missed. He was good to our family. All the family will be in our prayers.
Memorial
11/20/2011, 4:00 PM, Powers Funeral Home
POWERS FUNERAL HOME
Address: 832 Ridgeway Rd Lugoff, SC 29078
Mailing Address: PO Box 65 Lugoff, SC 29078
Phone: (803) 408-8711
Fax: (803) 408-8713
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Powers Funeral Home
Address: 832 Ridgeway Rd Lugoff, SC 29078
Mailing Address: PO Box 65 Lugoff, SC 29078
Phone: (803) 408-8711
Fax: (803) 408-8713