Van Keith Powell

Van Keith Powell, 84, of Vidalia, passed away on Tuesday, May 5, at Community Hospice after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.  He was born in Johnson City, Tennessee on October 7, 1935 and grew up in Elberton, Georgia.  He was the son of the late Clarence Van and Margaret Dunn Powell. After graduating from Elberton High School, Van went to the University of Georgia for two years where he enjoyed being in the Redcoat Marching Band. He loved Big Band music and spent many evenings playing his clarinet in a dance band. Van then joined the U.S. Air Force where he flew as a radio operator. After his service, he went back to Athens where he graduated with a degree in Journalism. Van went to work in Savannah for WSAV Radio and TV. In 1970, he moved his family to Mobile, Alabama where he worked for 3M Company in the Medical Sales Division until his retirement in 1994. In 2000, Van and his wife moved to Vidalia to be near his wife’s family and closer to their children. He was a member of the Vidalia First United Methodist Church.

Nothing was more important to Van than his family. They had many wonderful camping trips, football games, and band competitions together. Van enjoyed camping, photography, cooking, music, golf, and tennis. He loved planning trips and travelling by car, camper, plane, etc. with his wife of 60 years.

Van is preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Ann Brantley Powell; daughters Leigh Powell Bryant and husband Bob, and Peggy Powell Clay and husband Steve; grandchildren Keith and Allison Bryant, and John, Evan and, Lucy Clay. He is also survived by his sister, Betty Camann of Sun City, Arizona; and a beloved cousin, Powell Gaines of Tifton, Georgia.

A graveside service will be held for family and friends at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Community Hospice, P.O. Box 2277, Vidalia, GA 30475, Sweet Onion Animal Protection Society, P.O. Box 210, Vidalia, GA 30475, or the Vidalia United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 150, Vidalia, GA, 30475.

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