William Brown Powell Jr.

MAJOR WILLIAM BROWN POWELL JR, USMC (Ret) passed away June 29, 2012 in Little Rock, Ark. after a lengthy illness. Bill was born April 25, 1930 in Hartfield, Va. to the late William Brown Powell and Virginia Estelle Roundy Powell. Bill grew up in Tidewater Virginia area and, like most children of the Depression era, learned to work at a young age. He spent his youth working as a mechanic, oysterman, deliveryman, carpenter and anything else to get by. He inherited a passion for automobiles from his father. He shared this passion not only with his sons but with his grand-sons as well. His passion and skill enabled him to earn a few extra dollars rebuilding cars and selling them. As a teenager, he volunteered with the Sea Scouts helping patrol the eastern coastline during WWII. It was also during this time that Bill competed in the boxing ring against fleet boxers from the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. It paid eight dollars to the winner, five dollars to the loser. He nearly always came home with eight dollars. A trip to the beach changed his life forever. It was here he met, Virginia Ann Smith whom he married June 24, 1950. Together they raised five children. Bill enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1952 which began a distinguished 27 year career with marine aviation. During his career he spent two tours of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Bill's outstanding leadership and technical abilities earned him a field commission enabling his membership in the distinguished Marine Corps Mustang Association. Bill was a decorated war veteran. His awards include three Bronze Stars with combat V for valor under fire; the Purple Heart; Meritorious Service Medal; the Navy Achievement Medal with combat V; Combat Action Ribbon; Cross of Gallantry with Palms; and the Vietnam Service Medal with six stars for over thirty one different combat operations against enemy force. Upon retiring from the Marine Corps, Bill's vast skills and experience led him to a career at Dassault Falcon Jet Corporation in Little Rock, Ark. Bill, never intimidated and always ready for a challenge, conquered the world wide web. This new technology allowed him to re-connect with childhood friends, long lost cousins and fellow Marines. These communications led him to attend many joyous reunions with fellow marines in the USMC Combat Helicopter Association known as Pop-A-Smoke. It was always enlightening to family members to see the respect and admiration he received at any gathering of veterans who served with him during his time in the Marines. He clearly impacted the lives of a great number of individuals and continued to have regular contact with many of them 45years later. Despite all of his professional accomplishments, he was most proud of his family. He never failed to give Virginia credit for raising the children and managing the household single-handedly, during his many deployments. Bill was known to set the bar high, but it was never higher than he set for himself. He truly led by example and was unfailingly supportive of his children in everything they did from rock bands to Little League Sports. The Marines Corp motto is Semper Fi (always faithful). He lived that motto and served as an inspiration to all who knew him. He will be missed. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Virginia A. Powell, and five children: Gary Powell (Charlotte) of Wichita, Kan. Bill Powell (Meg Jones) of Memphis, Tenn. Denise James (Tom) of Escondido, CA, Rick Powell of Memphis, TN. and Sue Hibbs (Tim) of Sherwood, Ark. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. In addition, Bill is survived by three sisters: Olivia Foster (Bert) of Frederick, Md. Jean Batchelor (Doug) of Flagler Beach, Fla. and Doris Champion of Crestview, Fla. Funeral services will be held at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home, 7724 Landers Road in North Little Rock at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 3, 2012 burial will follow with military honors at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday July 2nd, 2012 from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Please visit www.griffinleggettresthills.com to view the online tribute.