On Wednesday, March 18, 2009, Jesus reached down and lovingly embraced Robert M. Powell, Sr. and he was finally healed after a courageous 17 month battle with cancer. He was born April 7, 1940 in Isle of Wight County, VA the son of the late Mills Joseph Powell and Mary Turner Powell. He was also predeceased by two brothers, Franklin Randolph Powell and James Wallace Powell. He retired from the X-42 Pipe Department at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding.

He is survived by his wife and best friend of 47 years, Judy Branch Powell; a son, Robert McCauley "Robbie" Powell, Jr., both of Zuni; grandchildren, A1C Richard Andrew Powell, Joseph "Joey" Willis Powell and Robert Brandon Powell; sisters and brothers-in-law, Virginia P. Saunders of Windsor, Francis P. Hall of Smithfield, Helen P. Saunders of Zuni, Ann P. and William R. Eley of Carrollton, VA, Betty Sue P. and Roy Pippin, Jr. of Suffolk, VA, Joseph E. "Ed" and Carolyn Powell of Carrsville, VA, and Charles L. and Linda Powell of Zuni; sister-in-law Jean Powell of Chesapeake, VA; numerous nieces and nephews; and his loving dog, Casey.

A funeral service will be held Monday, March 23, 2009 at 11a.m. at Parr Funeral Home and Crematory, 3515 Robs Drive, Suffolk, with Robert McCauley Powell, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Holly Lawn Cemetery. Friends may join the family at the funeral home on Sunday from 3 to 5 for a time of visitation. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com