Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Thomas Powell
1942 - 2025
BORN
1942
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
UPCOMING SERVICE
Thomas Powell Obituary
September 7, 1942 - September 19, 2025
We are greatly saddened by the loss of Thomas M. Powell (1942), born in Richmond, Virginia, later lived in New Kent county. Survived by his wife of 62 years, May Ruth Powell; children, Joseph C. Powell; daughter, Susan Powell-Proctor ("Ric"); grandchildren, Steven J. Powell, and Thomas J. L. Powell. Shelby Cardman (step-grandchild); his sister's children (nephew and niece) niece, Gail Walsh (David Walsh); and nephew, Judd Proctor (Brian). Predeceased by his father, Joseph L. Powell; mother, Gracye Powell; and sister, Shirley Proctor.
He served in the United States Navy on the U.S.S. Sea Leopard submarine for five years learning the electrician's trade. Back in the 1960s he was a journeyman electrician at North Anna Power-Plant. He started Powell Enterprises over 50 years ago, buying and leasing apartments and maintaining them, and he was a problem solver. He loved what he did. He was the "brains of the outfit" and well-loved. He cared about those that worked with him. He also had Powell's Texaco, and New Kent Wood Preservatives, and a ran a Napa Store with his sister, Shirley Proctor, in Providence Forge, Va., (before 2004).
The family will receive friends 5 to7 p.m., Tuesday, September 30, at Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 S. Laburnum Ave., where a funeral service will be held 10 a.m., Wednesday, October 1. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery.
Nelsen
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Thomas Powell
Sep
30
Funeral services provided by:
Nelsen Funeral Home - Richmond4650 South Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA 23231
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Powell
Sponsored by Nelsen Funeral Home - Richmond.
1 Entry
Garry Land
Yesterday
Mr. Powell rented me my first apartment on Cleveland Street in 1977, nearly 50 years ago. I will always remember him giving me that opportunity without having rented before on my own. He was always kind, considerate and extremely helpful to me. Most probably the best landlord I ever had. God bless his soul. May he rest in peace.
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
Make a Donation
in Thomas Powell's name
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas Powell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
