Dr. Robert Powell, Jr.

Obituary For Dr. Robert Powell, Jr.

Robert "Botany Bob" Powell, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and devoted member of his community, passed away peacefully at home on September 7, 2026, at the age of 96. Born November 11, 1929, in Mobile, Alabama, and raised in Memphis, TN. Bob was a botanist, naturalist, and conservationist who lived a life filled with love, laughter, and an unyielding passion for knowledge and nature.
The son of Robert W. Powell Sr. and Margaret Buck Powell, Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Sandra W. Powell; his parents; and a brother, Stewart Powell of Coronado, CA. Together, Bob and Sandy raised four devoted children and built a family grounded in love and unity.
He is survived by his children, Sherryl (Chuck) Dodd of Alexandria, VA; Roberta (Dean) McKinney of Campobello, South Carolina; Fern Powell of Spartanburg; and Terry (Angi) Powell of Roebuck. He leaves behind five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored and with whom he loved sharing his passion for nature. He is also survived by his brother, Jim (Julie) Powell of Memphis, TN, a sister, Maggie Hulsey of Salisbury, NC, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bob was an esteemed scholar, earning a Bachelor of Science from Memphis State, a master's degree from the University of Houston, and a Ph.D. from Duke University. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1955. He went on to dedicate 36 years to Converse College, where he inspired countless students as a professor and chair of the Biology Department.
Bob's love of nature extended into every aspect of his life. A Master Gardener and longtime member of the Spartanburg Men's Garden Club, he participated enthusiastically in annual Audubon Bird Counts and was a member of the South Carolina Association of Naturalists. He delighted in sharing his vast knowledge of flora and fauna with anyone eager to learn.
As a founding member of SPACE (Spartanburg Area Conservancy), Bob helped establish and name the popular Cottonwood Trail in Spartanburg. His love of nature and history also inspired his passionate advocacy for Croft State Park, where he proudly led preservation efforts to keep out development efforts over the years. His conservation work included locating, cataloging, and preserving plant lite trom the Forest at Duke, Camp Croft, Converse College, and the frozen tundra of Sondrestrom Air Force Base in Greenland. He also helped catalog, rescue, and relocate rare plant species from the Jocassee Valley before the construction of the dam that created what is now Lake Jocassee.
Bob's devotion to his community was evident through his active membership at St. Paul United
Methodist Church, where he will be remembered fondly.
Known for his keen sense of humor, meticulous nature, and love of a good joke, Bob brought joy to all who knew him. His legacy lives on in the hearts of his family and friends, in the students he inspired, and in the natural places he worked so passionately to protect.
A Celebration of Life will be held on September 26th, 2:00 at St. Paul United Methodist Church,
1320 Fernwood-Glendale Road, Spartanburg, SC 29307. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the "Botany Bob Student Fund" at Converse University, Spartanburg, SC or St. Paul UMC, Spartanburg, SC.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Tam Simuel and Melissa Shecter for their care and kindness over the last few years; he adored you both.
Bob Powell's life was a testament to the power of love, education, humor, and community. His memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

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