Nathaniel Wilbert Powell

Remembering Nathaniel...

       Today, we pause to pay tribute to the memory of Nathaniel Wilbert Powell, who was a loving brother, uncle and friend. He was one who loved his family with all of his heart, and not only nurtured his family, but enriched the lives of many. Nathaniel entered this life on Monday, May 23, 1955, in Greensville County, Virginia to loving care of his parents the late Dolphus and Emma Robinson Powell.

       While growing up in the Powell residence, Nathaiel was given many names of endearment, ‘Nay’, ‘Smoke’ and ‘Pokie’. He received his formal education in the Greensville County Public School System. During his early life, he professed faith in Jesus Christ, joined the Salem Baptist Church of Emporia, Virginia and was baptized there, as well.

       Like many teenagers, during the summer time and harvest seasons, ‘Nay’ would work on local farms to earn spending money. As a young man, he worked various jobs, Virginia Dye Plant, Georgia Pacific and in the logging industry. His work life was cut short by a back injury sustained in an auto accident. In his later years, he became gainfully employed by Walmart.

       ‘Nay’ was fascinated by drag racing, not only as a spectator, but as a participant in the sport. He went so far as to build a car for quarter mile racing with his friends. Racing was one his most beloved pastimes and many weekends he raced at the Dinwiddie Motor track several times, eventually his hobby got to be too expensive. ‘Nay’ also enjoyed many other sports and would attend many league softball games and followed the local school teams as well. ‘Pokie’ was an avid fan of “The Boys”. In his recent years and on any given day you would catch him spending a lot of time fishing with his pals. Another of his joys was his love of food, foods that used to be staple of black folks back in the days were delicacies to him. He never met any part of a hog or a coon he didn’t like, and the more the better.     

       Just as important, ‘Nay’ loved to be around family and friends. He could tell you not only who is related to whom, but how they are related. He knew a lot of people and a lot of people knew him. He could talk and shoot the breeze with the best of them. He loved rehashing events and memories of yesterday with his friends .

       Nathaniel Wilbert Powell, exclaimed these words, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” and was then summoned to eternal rest on Monday, December 10, 2019, while receiving treatment at Southside Regional Medical Center, Petersburg, Virginia. ‘Nay’ had been in declining health for a while, mercifully our Lord decided Nay had endured enough and granted him the peace and serenity that only our Saviour can provide. Two siblings, Randolph Robinson and Shirley R. Kelly, preceded him in their transitions to Heaven.

       Although he never married or had children of his own, he did his best to be a father figure to those close to him. Among those left to carry on his memory and legacy are two sisters, Ella Bailey, Emporia, Virginia, Emma Doris Burkes, (June) of Leesburg, Florida; one brother, Glenn Powell, of Emporia, Virginia; sister-at-heart, Joyce Mason, (James) of Skippers, Virginia; nephews, Quintin and Alphonzo Kelly, Walter Bailey, Jr., Kwuame and Tony Robinson, James Mason, Jr., LeAndrew, Chris and Johnathan Burke; nieces, Jennifer Franklin, Gwendolyn and Debra Burke, Tara and Tia Powell, Gwen and Debbie Burke and Shamere Goodwyn; a host of grand nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

The Management and Staff of Knox-High Mortuary, Inc. is privileged to provide

"Distinctive Services, With The Essence Of Excellence"

to the family of Mr. Nathaniel Wilbert Powell

We ask that you join us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer. 

 "Diligent in Business; Fervent in Spirit." - Romans: 12:11

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