Jay G. Powell

Jay G. Powell, 81, of King George County died Sunday, Sept. 9, 2001, at his home, Little Oaks.

Born in King George, Mr. Powell was a descendant of Fielding Lewis and Betty Washington.

He received his early education in King George schools before attending Virginia Episcopal School in Lynchburg, from which he graduated in 1939.

During World War II, he served with the First Fighter Control Squadron of the Far East Command, Fifth Air Force, in the South Pacific. He was awarded several medals and two bronze stars.

Following his discharge from the military, Mr. Powell worked in Washington for Western Electric, and in 1950 returned to King George to farm the family home, Marmion. He resigned a job at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, in 1959 to run for sheriff of King George, a position he held for 16 years. From 1976 to 1979, he was employed by the Jeter Lumber Co. to purchase timber for the mill.

An avid hunter, Mr. Powell was a charter member and first president of the King George Hunt Club. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 89 for over 50 years, the Retired Sheriff's Organization and the King George Historical Society.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara; a daughter, Ruth Ellen Powell Maha; and two grandchildren.

A private graveside service will be held in the family cemetery at Marmion, with the Rev. Vincent Bork officiating.

The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. tonight at Nash & Slaw Funeral Home, King George.

The family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to the Marmion Graveyard Fund, c/o Union Bank & Trust Co., King George, Va. 22485; to the Dahlgren Rescue Squad, Box 1375, Dahlgren, Va. 22448; to the King George Fire Department, Box 66, King George, Va. 22485; or to American Legion Post 89, King George, Va. 22485.