POWIS, Mr. Robert E., 92, of Midlothian, Va., passed away on April 7, 2021. Bob was born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., and was the oldest of 10 children. He was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Margaret Powis; his brother, Roger; and his loving wife of 63 years, Elise. He is survived by his children, Anne Edwards (Garry), Michael Powis (Dale), Marybeth MacBain (David), Kathleen Powis, Patricia Miller (Jim) and Paul Powis; nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and two stepgrandchildren, and by his eight siblings and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by children he gathered later in his life, including Fr. Ernest Livasia Bulinda; and loving caregivers, Sandra Robinson, Grenada Blackwell and Wincey Ricks.

Bob was a graduate of Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, Fordham University and St. John's University School of Law. He served in the U.S. Marines before graduating from law school and embarking on an illustrious career in the U.S. Secret Service. He served under five U.S. presidents, spanning from Eisenhower to Reagan, and in many Secret Service field offices. He was Special Agent in Charge of the Los Angeles Field Office for nine years, during which oversaw many counterfeit money investigations and protective operations. He rose to Assistant Director of the U.S. Secret Service before becoming Deputy Assistant Secretary of Treasury in the Reagan administration.

In his career, Bob was known for having a commanding presence and caring immensely about his agents. In his personal life, he adored his wife, Elise, loved and raised his children with a balance of humor and firmness and delighted in his grandchildren. He loved listening to baseball on the radio, playing basketball, cribbage, fishing, current affairs and vanilla ice cream. He was a faithful Christian and member of the Catholic Church, where he contributed his time and talents to several parishes.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at Epiphany Catholic Church at 1 p.m. on April 23. Due to COVID-19, we ask that those attending observe social distancing and wear masks. For those unable to attend, the Mass will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/ChurchoftheEpiphany/live/.

The family requests that any donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Apr. 18, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Powis

Sponsored by Woody Funeral Home Parham - Richmond.

9 Entries

Dave Otto

April 7, 2024

Uncle Bob was truly amazing. I was so impressed by his composure that summer when the kids all got chicken pox while on vacation in a trailer. I admired and loved him. He had a profound influence on me.

Angela DeSantis Kurek

September 18, 2021

I'm so sorry to learn of the passing of your father. He was a wonderful man and I had the utmost respect for him. I had the honor of working for him when he was Special Agent in charge at the Baltimore Field office in 1966. God bless your family and may his soul rest in peace.

Angela DeSantis Kurek

September 18, 2021

I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Robert E. Powis. I had the privilege of working for him at the Baltimore Field office where he was Special Agent in Charge. I worked with him from 1966 to 1967. I had the utmost respect for him and his work ethic. I retired in 1967 because I became pregnant with my second child and did not feel I should work full time with having two children. He was a terrific boss and I am had so much respect for him. I know he adored his family and I think at the time he only had four children. I think one of them was in an automobile accident but I think he recuperated. God bless your family and may his soul rest in peace. I am so sorry I did not keep in touch with Mr. Powis but I went on to have two more children. I love talking about my wonderful experiences with Secret Service and the wonderful people I worked with. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers and again God bless you.

Polly Perkins Strona

April 23, 2021

What a gift to our world that continues to lives on through his children, grandchildren and all that knew him.

Ellie

Sent Flowers

Kevin Otto

April 20, 2021

Your Dad lived a very long and productive life. He gave one confidence that someone of integrity and honesty was watching the store. Although we saw your mom and dad infrequently I always felt proud that they were part of my family.I know your Dads last years were difficult for such a proud and successful man, Its nice to know he is at peace now. I have an old friend I grew up with that became a secret service agent, he held your dad in the very highest regards. My thoughts are with all of you. My very best wishes ! Cousin Kevin

Freddie & Bill Richards

April 19, 2021

A loving tribute to a man, clearly successful in every way. May he now rest in well-earned peace. Sending our love & caring to all family members, especially the Aussies. Will be watching the livestream along with you, followed by a proper toast to your Dad (no worries that it´ll be Fri. am Pacific time.) Much love.

Rebeca and Sergio Plotstein

Planted Trees

Michael and Mary Bennett

April 18, 2021

To the Powis Family, Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved Father. Cherish the memories and hold them close to your heart. He will be missed dearly, but he will live in your heart forever. God bless you always.

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