Rory Oliver Powell

Rory O. Powell
Greenville, SC

Rory Oliver Powell, 30, of Greenville, passed away Thursday, June 11, 2020.

Rory was a precocious child full of curiosity and boundless energy. He loved to read and lose himself in the imaginary worlds he created from his favorite books. As a young man, He lit up a room with his charm, and sense of humor. His smile would melt your heart and his laughter was contagious as was his effervescent child-like enthusiasm.

He loved living life in Florida and enjoyed exploring the beach and the ocean, diving, skateboarding, surfing, playing the guitar, video games, sketching and painting. He was an active member of the sober community in West Palm Beach and was very grateful for and thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie with the many friends he had made, which he considered to be family. He always loved talking about his newfound friends and their many adventures.

Rory fought many demons in his life on this Earth. He was a beautiful adventurous free-spirited soul who became bound by the chains of addiction and mental illness. Rory is now at peace. His spirit is once again free never to be bound again.

The last year of his life represented a fervent effort and struggle to right wrongs, help others in recovery and beyond, as well as build his own character. He wanted to be a good Dad, someone his daughter would be proud of and be able to spend time with on a regular basis. Rory fought with everything he had within him, but in the end lost his battle with addiction. However, he gained the final victory of freedom.

Surviving are his mother, Tandy Freeman Spencer and her husband, Jason, of Greenville; his father, William Robert Powell of Columbus, GA; a daughter, Alice Marie Powell; a sister, Gracie Celauro and her husband, Daniel of New York; his grandmother, Joyce B. Clayton of Greenville; an uncle, Eric Freeman of Greenville; and a cousin, Chase Freeman of Greenville.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you write a short note about Rory, do a random act of kindness for someone and then give them the note about him. He would be honored by such a deed. The family also asks that you educate yourself and others about addiction and mental illness. No one asks or aspires to be an addict. Help stop the shame and stigma concerning addiction and mental illness. Our son, like so many others suffering from these diseases was so much more than either one of them. There is no shame, only respect for the way he fought the fight.

If you are able please consider donating to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). This can be done at www.donate.nami.org.

Rory's struggles are no more, He has earned his wings and is now flying with angels.

A Memorial service will be held 3:00 PM Friday, June19, 2020 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home in Easley.

To view Rory's memorial service, please click the play button in the video player below.


Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Downtown, Easley