There is not a family in Powell more identified with the high school than that of Dr. John David Todd. He passed away on October 3, 2022, at 93.
Powell High families will remember his wife of 65 years, Sue Mayes Todd, longtime secretary at PHS until her retirement. When former principal Allen Morgan became superintendent, he recruited Sue to work for him downtown. She stayed one year, but came back to Powell saying she’d rather work in the community.
Their daughter, Susan Martin, is a longtime business education teacher at Powell High, credited over the years with high-performing students at statewide conventions of business students. She and husband Doug live in Knoxville. A second daughter is Joan Merryman, married to Kenny. They live in Murfreesboro.
The family attends Beaver Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Dr. Todd taught agricultural education at the University of Tennessee for 35 years. He retired in 1999. During his career, Dr. Todd wrote many articles for agricultural education publications. He was a life member of the FFA Alumni Association and served three years as president.
His service will be held at 4:30 p.m. at Beaver Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church today, 10/7/22, with receiving of friends and a reception to follow at 5:30 p.m. in the church’s fellowship hall. His full obituary is here.