Obituary of Ralph Powell

MARION VIRGINIA: RALPH T. POWELL, age 88, died Tuesday, September 5, 2006 and MILDRED BOONE POWELL, age 87, died Friday, September 8, 2006 in Palm Harbor, Florida. Ralph, Mildred's loving husband of 68 years, made his way to heaven just days ahead of her. They were lifelong residents of Marion. They had resided for the last few years at the Balmoral Assisted Living Apartments, Palm Harbor, Florida, near family, where they received loving and compassionate care. They made friends quickly in their new home as they warmed many hearts with their sweet and caring personalities. Ralph and Mildred were members of the Marion Baptist Church, where Ralph served as a Deacon, as well as on many committees and was distinguished as holding the second longest membership time. Mildred taught Sunday School and was involved in many church circles and mission work. Ralph served in the Merchant Marines and was owner and operator of Ralph T. Powell Heating and Insulation for 40 years. Ralph and Mildred purchased the Lincoln Hotel in 1977 and Ralph worked diligently to have the Hotel listed in the Historical Registry which was completed in 1998. He retired in 1998 from his Heating and Air Conditioning business. Mildred worked for many years at the Baldwin's Department Store and she also assisted her husband in the management of the Lincoln Hotel until 1999. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, J.W. Henderson Powell and Nettie Shupe Powell; sister, Virginia Powell Kirby and brothers Winiford Powell and Joe Powell. Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, Wiley Preston Boone and Mary Annella Prater; sister, Selma Boone Petty; and brother, Gilbert Lee Boone. They are survived by two sons, Ronald Lee Powell and wife, Karen of Alexandria, Virginia and W. David Powell and wife, Deborah of Palm Harbor, Florida. Five wonderful grandchildren, Ron's children, Desiree and Charles and W. David's children, W. Keith, Maura and W. Hunter. Mildred is also survived by two brothers, Walter "Jack" Boone of Marion, Virginia and Hiram "Vance" Boone of Richmond, Virginia. Ralph is also survived by his sister-in-law Madge Powell of Marion, Virginia, widow of Winiford Powell. Ralph and Mildred are also survived by several nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, great grand nieces and great grand nephews. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marion Baptist Church, 1258 N. Main Street, Marion, Virginia 24354 in memory of Ralph and Mildred Powell. Funeral Services will be held Sunday, September 17, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at Marion Baptist Church with Dr. Mark Ross officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Lawn Cemetery, Marion, Virginia. The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel.