Grady W. Powell, Sr.
Along with a brief teaching career, he has served four rural churches; however, his heart’s desire was to be a full-time pastor, and that occurred for him in 1958 when he became pastor of Quioccasin Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia, and then pastor of Gillfield Baptist Church in Petersburg, Virginia, for thirty-six years.
Dr. Powell’s outreach beyond Gillfield has been extensive. He has served on many boards and committees and has been honored on several occasions. After his retirement, he assisted six churches as interim pastor and continued to share his life in community service.
He is married to Dr. Bertie J. Powell, a retired professor of English from Virginia State University. They have five children (Sandra, Dorthula, Grady Jr., Herbert, and Eric) and two grandchildren (Harvey III and Grady III).
Books
From Morning 'til Evening
The Autobiography of Grady W. Powell, Sr.
From Morning ’til Evening traces the life of Rev. Grady Powell, Sr., a devoted man of God, who has served as pastor of churches in Virginia for more than fifty years. This vivid and personal story chronicles Rev. Powell’s journey from his upbringing in Brunswick County, Virginia, through his marriage to Bertie Jeffress of Pittsburgh, the raising of five children, and the challenges and rewards of a rich professional life. Ultimately, we join him as he stands in the pulpit of Gillfield Baptist Church in Petersburg, Virginia, where he ministered to hundreds of parishioners.
This is the story of a man whose faith and family are truly his touchstones. We follow him on his journey from youth to his professional and personal destiny and, finally, to his dance with retirement, where in the evening of his life, he reflects on the deeper meaning of God, the importance of family, and the people he serves.