Ray Powell, 71 of Alexander, ND passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND.

Ray Miles Powell was born January 29, 1949 in Williston ND to Lloyd and Doris (Miller) Powell. He graduated from Alexander Public School in 1967 and then attended various colleges in North Dakota, one of which was NDSU. After a brief stint in Colorado working with dynamite, Ray then returned to Alexander to work on the family farm.

On August 4th, 1972 he was united in marriage to Fonda Jo Slagle. From this union they had 3 children and 10 grandchildren. He was very active in the Alexander Fire Department as the district president for more than 20 years. He was also active in the Lions Club, bowling league, softball, basketball, golf, tennis, racquetball, football, pickle-ball, pinochle, black-jack, hunting, fishing, camping, going to auction sales, and (believe it or not) served as a hunter’s safety instructor and basketball referee. He also loved following his children and grandchildren’s events and watching anything having to do with BISON FOOTBALL!

Along with his many athletic talents, Grandpa Ray is also famous for keeping his candy drawer well stocked, cookies readily available, ice cream as a regular night time snack, and was known as a fabulous malt maker. He enjoyed eating “Killer” hotdish as a snack in the middle of the night and always shared his secret stashes of candy with anyone.

Ray was always proud of the family farm. He was able to continue farming with the 5th and 6th generations, his son Lance and his children, who he loved being in the field with. Although he was technologically challenged, GPS on combines was a common topic of conversation. Much to the dismay of Lance, Ray was a firm believer that you can cover more ground if the line isn’t straight, packer tires are just as good as a rock-picker, there’s moisture under the rocks, and duct tape and baling twine can fix a fence.

Along with farming, Ray dabbled in being an entrepreneur. He partnered with Walter Link and together they established Best West Crop Insurance, a branch of Ihry Insurance Agency. He also established McKenzie Agri –Steel and 7P Feeds. His love for sports kept him busy on many successful teams, some of which included “OK Implement” softball, “Bitchin’ Bob’s Bar” basketball team, “Weber Construction” softball, and “7P Feeds” softball and basketball. He was fortunate to have shared his love for these sports with many lifelong friends.

One of Ray’s favorite pastimes was playing 10 ½ and having a pop at the Café in Alexander with his friends, the loser having to foot the bill. Ray made everything a competition. Whether it be playing cards, shaking dice, or golfing, there was always a winner and money or a round was always involved!

Ray is survived by his wife, Fonda; children, Penny (Nate) Soiseth, Bobbie (Jesse) Olson, and Lance (Misty) Powell; his grandchildren, Addison, Rylann, and Shay Olson, Presley, Lainey, and Case Powell, and Zane and Porter Soiseth; his brother, Dennis (Gail) Powell; sisters, Susan Link and Barb (James) Jacobson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Doris Powell; brother-in-law, Walter Link, and grandchildren, Carson Powell and baby Olson.