William (Bill) Bailey Powell, age 75, of Waterford, passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 after a lengthy illness. He was born July 11, 1933, a son of the late Bailey Simon and Kathryn Middleton Powell.
He was a 1951 graduate of Waterford Academy where he participated in all sports. He received an honorable discharge after serving 4 years in the U.S. Navy. After his tour with the Navy, Bill worked at GTE in Erie where he retired in 1991 after 30 years of service. His hobbies included being a volunteer fireman for many years, vacationing with family, gardening, meeting with his friends for coffee, and his pets. His greatest joy was his time spent with his oldest granddaughter, Mary Elizabeth Lee, and his newest granddaughter, Kendall Eileen Powell.
Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Mary Sue Nelson Powell; a daughter, Christy Ann Lee of Erie; a son, Robert (Bob) Powell and his close friend, Heather, of Waterford; and two grandchildren, Mary Elizabeth Lee of Erie and Kendall Eileen Powell of Waterford. He is also survived by two brothers, Richard Powell and his wife, Vera, and David Powell and his wife, Darlene; a brother-in-law, William (Bill) Nelson; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9pm. There will be no funeral service. Memorials may be made to Stancliff Hose Company, PO Box 336, Waterford, PA 16441.
Oh yes, my Uncle Bill could be counted on for the playful teasing, i remember that very well at our family get togethers! We’ve always had a good time at those gatherings and it won’t be the same without him.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. I will remember most Bill’s sense of humor and playful teasing of me when I would visit and hang out there with Christy growing up.
To the Powell Family, My deepest sympathies to you all. May you find comfort in the memories that you have with your father, husband, brother & friend. Thoughts & prayers.
To the Powell family, you are in our prayers for the days ahead. My comment is Bil was a good friend. One of my memories from my friendship was when Bill and myself set up the first fund drive still in use today for the Stancliff fire company. May said that it would not work but it did.We spent many hours in his kitchen over coffee on the plan but it was fun. He was a great friend.