Bruce L. Powell

Bruce Lamont Powell was born on March 15, 1967, to Arnell Rufus Powell, Sr. and Violet Lewis Cunningham Powell. He attended Henrico County Public Schools, graduating from Highland Springs High School as a proud member of the Springer class of 1985. Bruce sang in the Concert Choir, serving as its president and was a champion wrestler. He accepted Christ and joined the Mt. Olive Baptist Church on Bells Road where he sang in the gospel choir.

After graduating high school, Bruce joined the U.S. Marine Corps, serving with the 2nd Tank Battalion 2nd Marine Division. While an active-duty Marine, he married his high school sweetheart, Wanda Sheree Kelly. After four years of active duty, he was honorably discharged and transferred to the Marine Corps Reserves. During his eight-year military career, Corporal Bruce Powell had duty stations at Camp LeJeune, in Korea, Japan, and served during Desert Storm. His several medals included Meritorious Mast, Rifle Marksman Badge, Pistol Sharp Shooter Badge, Good Conduct Medal, and a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. Bruce later was declared a disabled veteran.

Bruce’s subsequent employment endeavors included the US Post Office and ViaSystems. He furthered his career training with the Plumbers and Steamfitters, Local 10. Bruce was last employed with Philip Morris USA as a Pipefitter and Mechanic. After 22 years of service, he retired due to medical reasons.

Bruce was often referred to as the “coolest dude” and a “real dude” in school and in job settings. He was a very loyal, caring, generous, sensitive and socially-aware person. He was very concerned about exploited and missing women & children and animal cruelty. As a lover of the ocean, he frequently traveled to Myrtle Beach and the Caribbean, particularly the Dominican Republic. His many other pleasures included activities with his boys, reading, fishing, and playing with his dogs, Kapone, Biggie, and Blue. Known as “CG Boy”, he loved his old neighborhood, Central Gardens, and CG Family. He was a motorcycle enthusiast and was a member of the Nubian Kruzers Motorcycle Club of Richmond, and was affectionately known as “Care-Taker”.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Angela C. Alexander Johnson; and brother, Hakeem (Arnell Jr.) Powell; and father-in-law, Michael Kelly, Sr. He is survived by Wanda Kelly Powell; sons, Terrance Arnell, Tre Anthony, and Tayon Julian; sisters, Cheryl L. Browne, Barbara P. Nollie, Sheila C. Price and adored, Yolanda Powell Jones (Tony); two grandchildren, Olivia Nicole, and Levi Anthony; mother-in-law, Georgia Kelly, and brother-in-law, Michael, Jr.; a host of nieces and nephews, among them Arnell Powell, III, who was like a brother, Damon Price, Joshua Johnson, and Kimberly Browne; cousins, one like a brother, Kevin Johnson; other relatives, and friends, among them Montee Holland, and Chaz Crenshaw.

A Memorial Service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, September 26, 2024 at Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 2705 Hartman St., Richmond, VA.

The family is receiving services of comfort from Wilson & Associates' Funeral Service - East Chapel, 5008 Nine Mile Rd., Richmond, VA.