T.J. "Sonny" Powell

T.J. "Sonny” Powell, 80, of Ash Flat, Arkansas, passed from this life on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at Ash Flat, Arkansas. Sonny was born to Lee Powell and Meda (Marshall) Powell on August 29, 1944, in Williford, Arkansas. 

Sonny was united in marriage to Leona Jane Langley on November 22, 1986, in Hardy, Arkansas. Sonny served as Sheriff of Sharp County from January 1, 1981, thru December 31, 2002. He was a member and past president of the Arkansas Sheriffs Boys and Girls Ranch, member and Worshipful Master of the Wilson Masonic Lodge #432 of Hardy, Arkansas, member and past president of the Cherokee Village Kiwanis, and past president of the Arkansas Sheriff’s Association. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and friend. He was of the Baptist faith. 

Sonny is survived by wife, Jane Powell of Ash Flat, Arkansas; two sons, Tom Powell (Charlie) of Jonesboro, Arkansas and David Pierson (Mitzi) of Melbourne, Arkansas; daughter, Kathy Adams (Bruce) of Melbourne, Arkansas; seven grandchildren, Kaylee King (Preston), Dylan Smith, Allyson Smith, Hannah Powell, Macey Powell, Jude Byerly, and Kara Hampton; two great grandchildren, Mary Kathryn and Clay Preston King; many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents (Lee and Meda Powell) and three sisters (Emily Sawyer, Glenda Ervin, and Jean Lindsey). 

Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Wortham Funeral Home in Hardy, Arkansas with Bro. John Deaton officiating. Visitation will be 11:00 A.M. until time of service on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Wortham Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Baker Community Cemetery in Williford, Arkansas. Pallbearers will be Dennis Burton, Kevin Burton, Tim McComas, James Bragg, Stan Haney, and James Duncan. Honorary pallbearers are Joe Stidman, Dale Weaver, Larry Brown, Larry Tolbert, Gene Moore, Jack Yancey, and Jeremy Roland. Memorials may be made to the Calvary Baptist Church Building Fund in Ash Flat, Arkansas. Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas.