By Capt. Tim Barefoot
For anyone who has ever met Eric Powell, you would have to say that he is one of the most genuine people you would ever meet. For all the folks that fished the tournament, worked the tournament, donated to the tournament, or participated in the auction afterwards all wish they could do even more, because Eric and his family have always “gone the extra mile “ for everyone else.
Eric started developing problems in early 2010 with what they thought at that time was a brain tumor. Later, Eric was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS). If you are aware of the symptoms of (ALS), it affects the ability of the nerves and muscles to operate properly, but the mind is still sharp. This is the case with Eric; his mind is still sharp, but his muscles are all but gone. He is bed-ridden, and needs constant at home assistance and his medical bills are building quickly.
Eric, who is in his mid 30’s, is the Grandson of Richard and the late Ruth Powell and the son of Dale and Nancy Powell. This is obviously where Eric received his character, work ethic and sense of pride in community and family. Recently married to Cathy, who cares for Eric day to day at home, has been a real trouper during this whole ordeal could not thank everyone enough for all their help and love during this tough time and throughout the tournament.
There are many, many folks that helped with this tournament, and if I miss someone, please don’t be offended. The Redfish Action Series stage, scales and weigh-in procedure was provided by Lee Willis, Michael, Nathan and Noah Gilgo, and hustling tables chairs and anything else was Grandma Pat Gilgo. Many thanks to Steve Goodson for the wonderful logo design and printing. Steve Marshburn for cooking 7 1/2 pigs that fed roughly 800 plates, Steve Webb for the delicious chicken for the captain’s meeting on Friday night. Aaron Spencer for the attractive T-shirts and T-shirt sales, and last but certainly not least to Lynn Mobly for being the effective auctioneer that he is. There are so many that is impossible to list them all, but THANK YOU to all the folks that donated prizes for the auction and the buyers who were more than generous!
Ron McElheney and group went as far as to put cameras in strategic locations so Eric could watch the tournament from his bed. I understand that he was “very emotional” watching his friends compete. Ricky Kellum fished Eric’s boat during the tournament at the request of Dale Powell. Ricky caught a 27 ¼ inch drum first thing that morning, saying it was very appropriate, because Eric was “lucky” like that, with a lot of fish just an 1/8 or a 1/4 inch over slot in many tournaments.
All-in all, the tournament was a success and a win-win for everyone. A lot of the donated items were sold for waaay more than the retail value, and Eric and Cathy Powell were presented a check for $ 74,000.
What we can all take away from this tournament… is that we are all blessed, and to see someone with as much life and laughter as Eric to be struck down in the prime of his life should make us all humble and thankful for all we have. Live each day to the fullest, and take nothing for granted.
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