Arnold Ray Powell, 81, of Hereford, Texas, passed away on November 2, 2025, in Amarillo, Texas. Born on October 20, 1944, in Paducah, Texas, he was the son of Clarence F. Powell, a Southern Baptist minister, and Beulah Ruth Lynch Powell.

Arnold's early life was shaped by his father's calling, leading the family to live in Paducah, Blackwell, Sweetwater, Ft. Sumner, and Roswell, New Mexico. He traveled extensively to California, Florida, and points in between for Southern Baptist Convention events and revivals. In the spring of 1960, the family made their final move to Hereford, where Arnold began as a freshman at Hereford High School.

Growing up, Arnold boxed in the Golden Gloves and played Little League baseball. In high school, he excelled in football, kicking the first ball in Whiteface Stadium. As a senior in 1963, he served as football and track captain, was named to the All-State Choir, and was selected as Mr. HHS and Most Handsome.

Arnold's work ethic was evident throughout his life. He held jobs at Nunley's Enco, Henderson's Enco, Powell Mobile Station, Holly Sugar, and the Atchley Family Farm before dedicating 46 years to Oglesby Equipment. In the last 6 years, he worked with Cody in Powell Farm and Ranch Repair, where he was the "gopher" and expert at all things CASE IH, Hustler Mowers, and other name brand farm equipment. Those who knew him knew he was the "go to" for all things farm equipment.

On August 26, 1967, in Summerfield, Arnold married the love of his life, Carolyn Sue Atchley, whom he met on a blind date arranged by friends. Together for 58 years, they built a deep and devoted family. They raised two children: Kristi Powell Culpepper and Cody Powell. Arnold cherished working alongside his children to prepare and show steers, heifers, pigs, and chickens from 1989 to 1993, and he proudly watched Cody play football during those same years.

In 1996, Arnold's focus shifted to his grandchildren, bringing him immense joy over the next 29 years. He enthusiastically supported Kati Lynne Culpepper Cordova in volleyball and pole vault; Logan Grace Culpepper in volleyball and golf; Canon Henderson Culpepper in football and golf; and Kadyn Jewell Powell in barrel racing and pole bending. He also followed his grandson, Cooper Ray Powell's pursuits in calf roping, ribbon roping, and breakaway roping. In 2024, he welcomed his first great-grandchild, Ellie Grace, followed by his second, Maverick James, in 2025. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the greatest joys of his life, and his legacy of love and strength will endure in the family he and Sue nurtured.

Preceded in death by his parents, sister, Barbara Ruth Montgomery, and brother in law, Quinton Montgomery.

Arnold is survived by his wife, Sue, of the home; daughter Kristi Culpepper (Jason) of Bushland; son Cody Powell (Christy) of Canyon; grandchildren Kati Culpepper Cordova (Briar) of Amarillo, Logan Grace Culpepper and Canon Henderson Culpepper of Bushland, Kadyn Jewell (KJ) Powell, Cooper Ray Powell of Canyon, and great-grandchildren Ellie Grace Cordova and Maverick James Cordova of Amarillo. Other survivors include nephew Jimmy Montgomery (Kathy) and his family of Abilene, and numerous other brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Arnold's name to AOL Rodeo Ministries (PO Box 8577, Amarillo, Texas 79114, Attn: Travis Bennett) and the Jimmy Thomas Memorial Scholarship Fund (Checks payable to Bushland Falcon Media/ Attn: Kristi Culpepper, 18701 Jim Line Road, Amarillo, Texas 79124), or to the charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life Service honoring Arnold will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 1:30 PM, at the First Baptist Church in Hereford, Texas with Dr. Nathan Adams officiating. Arrangements and Cremation Services have been entrusted to Mendez and Mullins Family Funeral Home of Hereford.