William Addison Powell, Jr., 98, of Rosemount, passed away on March 11, 2025, at his home surrounded by family. He was born November 3, 1926, in Portsmouth, the son of the late William A. and Opal Dawson Powell, Sr.
Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Joyce Gail Coakley Powell, on May 13, 2000. The couple married on January 7, 1946, in Scioto County. His only son, Michael Wayne Powell, preceded him in death on April 23, 2010.
Bill and Joyce were high school sweethearts who graduated from Clay High School in 1944. He was a veteran of World War II, having served during wartime with the Merchant Marines.
A member of the former First Lutheran Church, he attended Nauvoo United Methodist Church and was a devout Christian. Bill worked for 41 years as a Locomotive Engineer before retiring from Norfolk Southern Railroad in 1986. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Railroad Fireman and Enginemen and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen. He also served as a SOMC Hospice volunteer for 21 years.
Surviving is his daughter, Linda Gail (Jeff) Montavon of Wheelersburg; a brother, Larry (Collette) Powell of Washington Court House; a daughter-in-law, Linda Powell of Portsmouth; four grandchildren, Cindy (Jason) Gearheart, Mindy (Jack) Keaton, Heather Nix and Jeffrey (Trinity) Montavon; ten great-grandchildren, Mandy Messer, Marissa (Kris) Zaph, Jacy Gearheart, Ethan (Alaina) Newton, Mason Newton, Branden Nix, Chloe Nix, Aric Montavon, Alexandria Montavon and Grace Hampton; two -great-great grandsons, Karsen and Kyler Zaph; and several nieces, nephews and their families.
Also preceded Bill in death were two siblings, Ron Powell and Rowena Hamm Yoe; and his grandson-in-law, Jason Nix.
Funeral services with Facebook Live Stream will be held at 1 P.M. on Friday, March 14, 2025, at the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth with Loren Hardin officiating. Interment will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens with military rites conducted by the James Dickey Post #23 American Legion. To join the livestream, please visit the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home Facebook page.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 11 A.M. until the service hour.
Memorial contributions may be made to SOMC Hospice, 2201-25th St., Portsmouth, OH 45662.
The flag of the U.S. Coast Guard will fly at the funeral home in honor of Mr. Powell’s service to our country.
