Author-arranger-musician-producer Richard D. (Rick) Powell, 71, died June 21, at Temple Terrace, Fla. In addition to producing and arranging more than 200 record albums (mainly Christian music) on such acts as the Bill Gaither Trio, The Imperials, Oak Ridge Boys, Kenneth Copland, Speer Family and Pat Boone, he had 35 choir books published, including 16 children's albums. Born Feb. 21, 1935, in Seffner, Fla., he was the son of Lulu Mabel and Lonnie Powell. Rick earned a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education, a Master's Degree in Composition, and had completed all course work towards a Doctoral Degree. He also did extensive post-graduate study in neuroscience. As a member of AFM Nashville Local 257, Powell's instruments included guitars and synthesizers. Rick received his military training in electronics, and taught electronics in the U.S. Army. Later, the educator taught at Peabody University (on the Vanderbilt University campus), Florida State University, and was Professor of Music at Lee University in Tampa. Recently, Rick completed the musical artificial intelligence program for the VanKoevering Digital Piano. With wife Sylvia (Salemi) Powell, he collaborated on numerous music programs, among them Treehouse Club for the Childrens Television Series, Helen O'Connell's Christmast Album, Sunshine Factory (Childrens Television Series), and the Pat Boone Family Christmas Special. More recently, Sylvia and Rick were developing curriculum material to support the Brain Compatible Learning Movement for BRAINROBICS. Besides his wife, survivors include daughters Priscilla Dubas, Yvette Robitaille and Heidi Gray; sister Priscilla Salemi Ruilova; brothers Robert Powell and Walter Powell; and nine grandchildren. Funeral arrangements were handled by the Garden of Memories Funeral Home in Tampa, Fla.