Joseph Wayne Powell Sr. was born on April 8, 1957, in Lake Charles, La., to his parents, Henry and Ella Louise Powell. He grew up in Compton, Calif., and moved back to Lake Charles at 23. Wayne worked as a Longshoreman at the Port of Lake Charles before retiring after 25 years.

Wayne loved having family, friends, and food to fill his yard during celebrations. Wayne was always willing to help anyone, especially his Mother. He will be greatly missed.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Mary Williams Powell; sons, Michael Wayne Powell, Joseph (Andrea) Wayne Powell Jr., Menifee, Calif., Reginald (Britney) Predium, Lake Charles, La.; brothers, David Powell, Danny White and Derrick White, Houston, Texas, and William White, Compton, Calif.; sisters, Felicia McCulloug, Houston, Texas, Carla Powell, Lake Charles, La., Eve Griffin, Theresa Manual, Beverly and Mary White, all of Compton, Calif. He also leaves to cherish his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, family and friends. Wayne was preceded in death by his dad, Henry Powell; sisters, Janet and Fernanda Powell; and brothers, Ray and Tyrone Powell.