Powell spent more than 40 years in turfgrass science, and held positions at the University of Maryland and the University of Virginia in addition to 37 years as a turf extension specialist at Kentucky. The 14-year GCSAA member worked with both golf course superintendents and sports turf managers throughout his career, and remained active with the Kentucky Sports Turf Managers Association after his retirement in 2010. In 2011, the university named its turfgrass research center in his honor.
At the time of the research center dedication, David Williams, an associated professor of turfgrass research at Kentucky, said, “Dr. Powell essentially started the turfgrass research progam at UK. We wouldn’t have the same program if it weren’t for him. His influence has extended beyond UK, as he mentored many graduate students who are no in high-profile positions in the turfgrass industry.” Williams first shared news of Powell’s death via a posting to the listserve of the C-5 Division of the Crop Science Society of America.
Visitation for A.J. Powell will be 4-8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1 at Anchor Baptist Church in Lexington, Ky. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, also at Anchor Baptist Church, and burial will follow at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at New Castle Cemetery in Henry County, Ky. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Anchor Baptist Church, 3601 Winthrop Drive, Lexington, Ky., 40514.