John Willie Powell III was born on December 13, 1948 to John Willie Powell Jr. and Ruth Elizabeth Moatz Powell.

In the early years, John was educated in Kanawha County Schools. He was a graduate of Dunbar High School and went on to attend four years of advanced education at West Virginia State College (now University). John also served in the Army National Guard.

John was a skilled welder and safety inspector employed by Dominion Resources until early retirement due to an on-the-job injury. In addition, he was an amazing craftsman, working tirelessly on many construction and home improvement projects throughout the community, often out of the kindness of his heart, never expecting to be compensated.

In 1973, John was married to Regina Davis Powell. After 28 years, the marriage ended but the friendship was eternal.

John was a loving and compassionate father and grandfather. In 1973, John became a father to two year old Deborah Davis (Cromer) and in 1977, John W. Powell IV was born. Fatherhood was John's most cherished role, he was dearly loved by his children who looked up to him and came to be his caretakers and confidants in the latter years. He was revered by his grandchildren and would travel often to spend time with them and send special packages just because.

John was called home to glory on October 23, 2016 at age 67. He passed away peacefully surrounded in Love by his children. John is preceded in death by his parents, John Powell, Jr and Ruth Moatz Powell, sister, Barbara Saunders and brother, Edward Powell. He is survived by his daughter, Deborah Davis Cromer (Keith) of Maryland; his son, John W. Powell IV (Monique) of Georgia; grandchildren, John W. Powell V, Nataya Powell, Nathan Powell, Kendric Cromer, and Kendall Powell; sisters Mary (Pap) Powell of Mississippi and Betty Hart of Indiana; and a host of cherished nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Funeral service will be held at noon Friday, October 28, at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 821 B Street, St. Albans. Burial will follow in Spring Hill Cemetery, Charleston.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Arrangements are in the care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.