Obituary of Aubrey Cecil Powell

Aubrey Cecil Powell, of Roanoke, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, August 29, 2017, surrounded by his family.He was born July 30, 1930, son of the late Benjamin and Naomi Powell. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Benjamin Powell, Jr., Donald Powell, and Douglas Powell; and a sister, Virginia Burton.

He graduated from Jefferson High School and East Tennessee State University, where he excelled at baseball, basketball and golf. As a skilled architect, Aubrey drew the plans for his family’s home, where they have lived in since 1972. He became a skilled draftsman, working at Appalachian Power Company for 30 years and retiring in 1996. He and his bride, Ardie, enjoyed their retirement years by visiting family and experiencing several bus trips across the U.S., including Alaska as well as parts of Canada.

Aubrey was a long-time member of Enon Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon and many other roles of service to his Lord and Savior and to his church family. An avid and competitive golfer, he was a long-time member and board member of Blue Hill Golf Club. Aubrey also volunteered with the Lions, and was an active member and Past President of the Hollins and Williamson Road clubs, as well as the Roanoke district representative to the Lions of Virginia.

He is survived by his loving and caring wife of 53 years, Ardist (Ardie) M. Powell; his son, Stephen (Ginger) Powell, of High Point, NC; his daughter, Melissa (Benny) Powell Firestone, of Mt. Pleasant, SC; his grandchildren, Allison and Brock Powell; Alexandra Firestone; his sisters-in-law, Virginia D. Powell, Wanda P. Powell, and Mary B. Powell; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staffs of Hollins EMS and Medi Home Health & Hospice for the attention and care they showed Aubrey throughout his illness.

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to Enon Baptist Church, the Hollins EMS, or Medi Home Health and Hospice.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, September 2, 2017, at Enon Baptist Church with Rev. Glenn Giles officiating. A reception will follow at the church in Taylor Hall.The family will receive friends on Friday, September 1, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Simpson Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke. Condolences may be sent to www.simpsonfuneral.com.