header 1
header 2
header 3

In Memory

Philip Powell

Philip “Phil” Austin Powell, 72, of Springfield, VA, died on Wednesday, January 23, 2019.

He was born in Martinsville, Indiana on December 13, 1946 to Joseph and Helen Powell. After graduating from Martinsville High School in 1964, he attended DePauw University, graduating in 1968 with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature. He continued his education at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where he earned a master’s degree in English Literature.

Phil served in the United States Air Force for 20 years, eventually achieving the rank of Major. After his retirement from the Air Force, he worked for the Defense Intelligence Agency for the last 23 years of his career. He also co-authored two college-level textbooks focused on writing skills.

Phil was an avid reader with wide-ranging interests. He appreciated the beauty of the arts, including writing, acting, music, pottery, sculpture, and painting. He enjoyed collecting in these areas, and he was particularly passionate about Native American art. He was an excellent editor, so we hope that we aren’t making too many errors in writing this tribute. He cared deeply about his family, and he was generous in providing support whenever needed. He loved selecting gifts that would be especially meaningful for his children and grandchildren. He had several charitable causes that were close to his heart.

He will be remembered with love by his wife of 50 years, Pam Powell, his sister, Catharine Powell, his daughters, Jenifer Powell (Johnny Joyner) and Kristina Hopkins (Travis), and his grandchildren, Stephanie Hopkins, Lee Hopkins, and Andrew Joyner.

A memorial gathering for family and close friends will be held at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund or the Arthritis National Research Foundation.