Woodie Malone Powers

Woodie Malone Powers, 62, died at his home Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008 following a heroic battle with cancer. He was born March 17, 1946 in Washington County to Zelma Mae Powers and the late Jacob Elwood Powers. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a sister, Trula Mae Powers, and his mother-in-law, Irene Owens. He graduated from Liberty Hall High School. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and was stationed on the Aircraft Carrier Oriskany and the USS Ticonderoga. He left the Navy in 1969. He worked at Westinghouse for 25 years. He later worked for Highlands Industrial Millwright with many of his longtime friends. He worked there until the beginning of his illness in 2007 but maintained close ties to his coworkers. He was a member of the Francis Marion VFW Post 4667. Woodie's generosity and kind heart were an inspiration to his family. He lived his life with integrity and honesty. Survivors include his wife, Jeannie, two sons, Russell and Dustin and daughter-in-law, Rhiannon; two brothers, Joe and Leon; one sister, Eula Copenhaver; his mother, Zelma Mae Powers, father-in- law, Howard Owens; very special cousin, Ernest Heath; and several loving nieces, nephews and other family members. Funeral services were conducted at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, at Bradley's Funeral Home Chapel in Chilhowie with the Rev. Tim Blevins officiating. Interment will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Rush Creek Cemetery with full military honors being rendered by Francis Marion VFW Post 4667. The family received friends Tuesday from 6 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Woodie can be made to Cancer Outreach Foundation. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley's Funeral Chapel, Chilhowie, is in charge of arrangements.