Ernest Cecil Powell, Sr

Ernest C. Powell, Sr, 93 of Smithfield, passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2026. He was born in Blackstone, VA, on May 9, 1933 to the late, Thomas Lenis Powell and Etta Pearl Bridgman Powell. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Theresa Matilda Maifeld Powell. He is survived by a daughter, Faith Collet Powell of Ashburn, Va; son, Ernest C. Powell, Jr of Huntsville, Al; and several nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by brothers, Thomas Powell and Russell Powell; sisters, Virginia Carr, Juanita Alphin, and Shirley Buck.

Mr. Powell graduated from Windsor High School, Class of 51’, he enlisted in the Navy Reserve in 1951, where he enrolled in the Navy Yard Apprentice program. Upon graduation in 1956 he served active duty in the U.S. Navy until 1958. He joined RCA service company in 1959 until his retirement in 1980. He worked at Eldyne, Inc. in Washington, DC from 1981 until his full retirement in 1994. In 2000 he and Theresa moved to Smithfield, VA where he was very active in the Isle of Wight Historical Society. Also volunteering from 2002 to 2010 with the Isle of Wight County Fair.

Mr. Powell will be interred at a later date at Albert G. Horton Jr. Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk, VA. Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com