Robert Lee Powers

Robert Lee Powers “Bob” also known as Uncle Bob was born in Eastaboga, Alabama on January 24, 1929 to parents Mitch Powers and Annie Lee Kirkland.  Robert passed away on December 20, 2020 at his new home in Avondale, Arizona.  Robert passed peacefully at home with his Grand Niece and Nephews, by his side.

Robert was proceeded in death by his parents Mitch Powers and Annie Lee Kirkland, his wife Virginia M. Powers, his two brothers John Z. Powers Sr. and Mitch Powers Sr. his sister-in-law Corine Powers, and his two nephews Anthony D. Powers and John Z. Powers Jr.

When Robert and his brothers were young, they worked with their parents who were sharecroppers to help support the family. Robert moved to Kansas City, Missouri when he was 12 years old to get a job with better pay. Robert started working at a very young age.  In 1950 Robert joined the United States Army as an Ammunition Supply Specialist to serve in the Korean War.  He said “One night, we were on a dark train as the enemy was approaching so they had to lay on the ground for hours, in -46We degree (WOW!) weather until it was safe to leave. He suffered nerve damage to his feet but always said he was grateful he still had feet to walk home on. During his service he received a Un Service Award, National Defense Service Medal and a Korean Service Medal With 2 Bronze Service Stars; he served until 1953. He also said he volunteered to stay when his time was completed. Thank God for the dedication and bravery of uncle and those who served to protect us here at home.

After completing his service to his country Robert began his career as a Mechanic and later became a Master Mechanic in which he enjoyed until a few weeks before he passed.  Robert enjoyed listening to music, fishing, playing cards, dominos, crosswords, jigsaw puzzles and bowling during his spare time.  Robert was a professional bowler and received over 100 trophies and awards once receiving a watch, a medal, and the last pin after bowling a 299.  He would surely boast about being a winner at everything he did.  “He said I have enough junk around here to prove that I am number one”.  Although he seemed quiet, he had VERY funny sense of humor and he never spared any jokes.

Robert lost his loving wife Virginia (whom he called VA or his Sweetie) of 33 years 5 days shy of their 34-year Wedding Anniversary in June of 2020. He and Virginia were married in 1986 in Miami, Oklahoma, they enjoyed traveling from coast to coast, spending quality time with each other, fishing, camping, crossword puzzles, bowling and enjoying foods from various places in which they traveled.  Although Robert and Virginia had no natural children of their own, they had many children by way of their nieces, nephews and neighborhood children.  Robert wanted so much to be back together again with his Sweetie that he passed five days after her birthday.

Robert leaves to cherish his historical memories his loving family: his sister-in-law’s, Ruby Powers Josephine, Marva,  his nephew Eric Powers, niece-in- Law Freida Powers, his grandnephews Anthony Powers Jr, Mitch Powers Jr., Preston John Powers, Steve Williams, Fred Williams, Sam Harris, Shaun Harris,  grand Nieces Stephanie Powers, Erica Handson (Garren), Brandi Rand (Michael) Erica Powers,  Jyllian Dufoe (Christoph), Marietta Harris, Gloria Harris, Renita Henderson, eight grand, grandnephews one grand, grand, grandnephew, one grand, grand, grandniece and a host of family and friends.

Robert’s legacy will live on through the many history lessons he shared with his family. He too saw technology take place in his family he was known in his family as “3 G” to his grand, grand, grandnephew and niece (also Known as SUNSHINE and UNCLE BOB)

He was a kind gentle and loving soul he was no stranger to anyone he met.  He always prayed everyday one simple prayer saying “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.  Robert loved spending time with family and enjoyed life to the fullest. Robert will be deeply missed however his legacy will carry on through the love he shared with us all.

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