Thomas Anthony Powell

Thomas Anthony Powell “Tony”, age 63, of Niceville, Florida, passed away Friday, October 13, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born August 6th, 1954 in Valparaiso, Florida and lived in Niceville all of his life. Tony met many of his lifelong friends going to school at Edge Elem., Ruckel, and Niceville High School.  After graduating from FSU, he worked with his father at Powell Insurance Agency. He became a successful businessman owning and running the family business, which has been in Niceville for over fifty years. 

Tony played many sports in his youth and excelled in baseball, basketball, and football.  As a father, he coached his children’s teams.  He enjoyed playing golf, boating, fishing, watching FSU football games, and in his later years became a champion bowler where he also made more life-long friends.

One of his favorite hobbies was going to Doris’ Restaurant with his dad and eating breakfast with his buddies, swapping stories, reminiscing and telling lies.  Later when Doris’ closed, they moved their group to The Coffee Shop.  Tony would go until his body began to fail him, going when he didn’t have the energy to do anything else.  It was important.

Tony fought a rare and aggressive form of esophageal cancer for over two years.  He fought bravely and with all his heart.  His wife Anita fought right along with him. She was his rock.

Tony is survived by his wife of 27 years, Anita Powell, his parents, Thomas and Margaret Powell, his sister Janet Hughes and her husband Robby. He is also survived by his eldest daughter Brandy Thompson and granddaughter Amber Christman, his son Andy Powell, his daughter Kristen Powell Williams, her husband Steven Williams and their children Noah, and Ava Lynn Williams.

There will be a time of visitation held on Thursday, October 19th, 2017 from 10-11 AM at Heritage Gardens Funeral Home located at 2201 North Partin Drive in Niceville, Florida. Funeral services will begin at 11AM. Interment will follow in Heritage Gardens Cemetery.

Tony touched the lives of many people with his smile and generosity, and maintained his trademark sense of humor all the way to the end.

 The family would like to thank Emerald Coast Hospice for all the love, care and support given to Tony and the family.  A special thank you to Anita’s sisters Lois Holbrook and Susie Curtiss, and Morgan Cleveland who also came to help with Tony’s care. 

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