Obituary for Earl Thomas Powell
Earl Thomas Powell was born October 22nd, 1922, and at the age of 98, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 18th, 2020. In his gentle nature and unfailing kindness, he remained our most loved and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, neighbor, and friend. Irreplaceable, he leaves a hole in our hearts that can never be filled.
The second of eleven children, he was born to Thomas Marshall Powell (“Tom”), and Annie Kate Ferrell. Growing up on the family farm outside of Yanceyville, North Carolina, he learned strong moral principles and developed a diligent work ethic during the Great Depression. Those values branded his long life of industriousness and attentive devotion.
During World War II, he served in the US Army 108th Engineer Combat Battalion. After being stationed in New Guinea, the Philippines, and Japan, his unit was one of the first to arrive on the mainland in September 1945. After “three years and nine days”, as he told it, he was discharged on January 9th, 1946, and came home to Caswell County, NC.
Following the war, his work as a magazine salesman brought him to Roanoke, Virginia, where he met the great love of his life, Reba Holland, on February 2nd, 1949. He’d often repeat that she was the prettiest woman he’d ever seen. They were married on June 1st, 1956, and he spent 64 years by her side. Together they raised and loved four children.
With a natural talent for sales, he founded Dixie Contracting company, and ran the vinyl siding and home improvement business for more than 50 years. He maintained his business license until he was 89 years old, and derived great pride from his work. Leaving lasting impressions on many of his customers, he often told stories of the roads he traveled and the people whose houses he fixed.
There don’t exist words good or telling enough to explain how wonderful he was. A true southern gentleman, devoted to his family, constant and unwavering in his love and affections; he took our hearts with him when he died. We both smile and cry, remembering the simple pleasures that he remained so appreciative for. The excitement he had picking the first tomato of the summer; the thrill of hunting and fishing. Our memories will be of him reading books in his corner chair, working in the garden in the early mornings, and sitting at the kitchen table, happy to see you when you came through the door. He is truly irreplaceable.
Earl is survived by his wife Reba Powell (95); daughter, Kim Craighead (Roscoe); sons, Rick Powell (Carol), and Don Roman (Maria); son-in-law, Rock Henderson, and brother, Jim Powell (Brenda). He was proceeded in death by his daughter, Sherry Henderson (1947-2020; wife of Rock), whom he lost with much sadness earlier this year. He leaves behind seven loved grandchildren, eight, and soon to be nine dear great-grandchildren; as well as great-great-grandchildren, loving nieces, nephews, cherished neighbors, and a multitude of long-time friends who will miss him so dearly.
Private arrangements will be made at the convenience of the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.oakeys.com.
The second of eleven children, he was born to Thomas Marshall Powell (“Tom”), and Annie Kate Ferrell. Growing up on the family farm outside of Yanceyville, North Carolina, he learned strong moral principles and developed a diligent work ethic during the Great Depression. Those values branded his long life of industriousness and attentive devotion.
During World War II, he served in the US Army 108th Engineer Combat Battalion. After being stationed in New Guinea, the Philippines, and Japan, his unit was one of the first to arrive on the mainland in September 1945. After “three years and nine days”, as he told it, he was discharged on January 9th, 1946, and came home to Caswell County, NC.
Following the war, his work as a magazine salesman brought him to Roanoke, Virginia, where he met the great love of his life, Reba Holland, on February 2nd, 1949. He’d often repeat that she was the prettiest woman he’d ever seen. They were married on June 1st, 1956, and he spent 64 years by her side. Together they raised and loved four children.
With a natural talent for sales, he founded Dixie Contracting company, and ran the vinyl siding and home improvement business for more than 50 years. He maintained his business license until he was 89 years old, and derived great pride from his work. Leaving lasting impressions on many of his customers, he often told stories of the roads he traveled and the people whose houses he fixed.
There don’t exist words good or telling enough to explain how wonderful he was. A true southern gentleman, devoted to his family, constant and unwavering in his love and affections; he took our hearts with him when he died. We both smile and cry, remembering the simple pleasures that he remained so appreciative for. The excitement he had picking the first tomato of the summer; the thrill of hunting and fishing. Our memories will be of him reading books in his corner chair, working in the garden in the early mornings, and sitting at the kitchen table, happy to see you when you came through the door. He is truly irreplaceable.
Earl is survived by his wife Reba Powell (95); daughter, Kim Craighead (Roscoe); sons, Rick Powell (Carol), and Don Roman (Maria); son-in-law, Rock Henderson, and brother, Jim Powell (Brenda). He was proceeded in death by his daughter, Sherry Henderson (1947-2020; wife of Rock), whom he lost with much sadness earlier this year. He leaves behind seven loved grandchildren, eight, and soon to be nine dear great-grandchildren; as well as great-great-grandchildren, loving nieces, nephews, cherished neighbors, and a multitude of long-time friends who will miss him so dearly.
Private arrangements will be made at the convenience of the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.oakeys.com.