[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 102 (Friday, June 11, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E631]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF THOMAS RAY POWELL

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 11, 2021

  Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of 
Thomas Ray Powell of Ypsilanti, Michigan. His lifetime of public 
service is worthy of commendation.
  Mr. Powell was born on November 9, 1949, in Stamford, Texas, to Lantz 
Powell and Mary Falcon. He spent his childhood in numerous states 
before attending the University of Missouri--Kansas City. Upon his 
graduation, Mr. Powell entered the United States Army as a medical 
laboratory technician, stationed at Tripler Hospital in Hawaii. He 
married Ms. Marianne Parizek on December 30, 1971, and together they 
had two children, Megan and Benjamin. Mr. Powell received a master's 
degree in Health Services Administration in 1980 and worked in 
hospitals all around the country, including the VA Hospital in Kansas 
City, Truman Medical Center, Davenport Medical Center, Baker Hospital, 
and the Roper St. Francis Health System.
  In 2001, Mr. Powell decided to pursue his lifelong dream of teaching 
high school science. A year later, he received his teaching certificate 
and taught biology, chemistry, environmental science, and forensic 
science at Woodland High School and Summerville High School in 
Charleston, South Carolina. After retiring and moving to Ypsilanti in 
2015 to be closer to his family, Mr. Powell served as a long-term 
science substitute at Saline High School.
  Mr. Powell is beloved by his former students and family. No matter 
where he goes, Mr. Powell has been active in his community, serving as 
the president of the North Charleston Breakfast Rotary Club and as a 
trusted mentor to countless high schoolers.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of 
Thomas Ray Powell. He has supported so many throughout his life, and 
all who know him can attest to his caring personality. I join with Mr. 
Powell's wife, Marianne; two children, Megan and Benjamin; 
granddaughter, Nora; former students; family; and friends in extending 
my thanks to him for his lifelong dedication to public service.

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