Roy Lee Powell

On Sunday, October 19th, 2025, our beloved Roy Lee Powell—devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend—peacefully departed this earthly life after a brief illness, while in the compassionate care of Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center in Mechanicsville, Virginia.

Roy Lee was born on Tuesday, September 27th, 1955, in Emporia, Virginia, to the late Joseph C. Powell, Sr. and Alma Lucille Powell Atkins. From an early age, he accepted Christ and united in Christian fellowship with Rocky Mount Baptist Church in Emporia. He was educated in the Greensville County Public School System.

A gifted and resourceful man, Roy Lee will be remembered for his remarkable mechanical talents and uncanny ability to fix just about anything. His hands were skilled, but it was his heart—kind, loyal, and giving—that left the deepest impression. He was known for his unconditional love for his family and friends, always ready to lend a hand or offer support in any way he could. Among his favorite pastimes was relaxing with a good western, a genre he particularly enjoyed.

In addition to his parents, Roy Lee was preceded in death by his beloved son, Roy Jr.; his sisters, Christine and Lorine Powell; and his brother, James Powell.

Though we mourn the loss of his physical presence, we celebrate the loving deeds and thoughtful spirit that defined his life. "Your life was full of loving deeds, forever thoughtful of our special needs. Today and tomorrow, our whole life through, we will always love and cherish you." His kind spirit, generous heart, and enduring legacy will be treasured by all who were blessed to know him.

Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of 45 years, Cathy Renae Powell; his daughter, Michele Powell; four grandchildren—Edward, Kenisha, Sa’yhon, and AiVianah Knightnor; and two great-grandchildren, Edward Knightnor Jr. and Jayceon Howard, all of Emporia, Virginia. He is also survived by five sisters: Queen Walton of Lawrenceville, Virginia, Connie Plum (Lum), Deloris Robinson (Stanley), Pamela Powell, and Cynthia Woods (Marsh), all of Emporia; four brothers: Joseph Powell, Jr. (Pam), Donald Powell (Debra), and Floyd Powell, all of Emporia, and Bernard Powell of Petersburg, Virginia. Additionally, he leaves behind one uncle, Osbourne Adams of Petersburg; four aunts: Catherine Claiborne of Chesterfield, Louise Adams of Emporia, Daisy Adams of Richmond and Carolyn Barner of Emporia; and a great-aunt, Gladys Cain of Emporia.

Roy Lee will also be fondly remembered by his mother-in-law, Julia Holmes of Emporia; his in-laws: Gwen Wyche (Marvin) of Skippers, Virginia, Angela Jarrette (Michael) of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Audrey Johnson (Earl) of Emporia, and James Holmes (Cora) of Lithonia, Georgia. He leaves behind cherished friendships with Ronald Adams, Frankie Peebles, Wayne Adams, Raymond Phipps, Keith Phipps, and Mark Crobador, as well as a host of loving nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and dear friends.

Though we feel the sting of loss, we take comfort in the promise of God— that He will wipe away every tear. Roy Lee’s life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, and he will be loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Mr. Powell's tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family. 

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. Roy Lee Powell

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

**TO ENSURE DESIRED FLORAL SELECTIONS AND A TIMELY DELIVERY, 

 PLEASE PLACE ORDERS THE DAY PRIOR TO THE FIRST VIEWING OF DECEASED*

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