Remembering CC Robert J. “Bob” Powell Jr., 81
- Recently passed CC Bob Powell (r) is pictured with (l-r) Col. John Ripley and Brock and Jonathan Oliver in this 1988 photo taken at Camp Lejeune. It was a tough November for the Marine Corps: John Ripley also died as well as former Commandant, Gen. Robert H. Barrow.
CC Bob Powell died Oct. 19, 2008 in Mechanicsville, Va. A WWII veteran who was recalled to active duty to train Korea-bound Marines at Camp Lejeune, he earned a Silver Star and two Bronze Star Medals during fighting in the Pacific.
An associate member since the 1980s, Bob was also active in the Marine Corps League and as a leader at Fairmount Christian Church in Mechanicsville. His business, Tru-View Presentations, took him all over the country giving multimedia patriotic programs public school, veterans’ homes and military venues including Parris Island and the Naval Academy. He would typically dress in the persona of “The Old Timer,” a vintage cowboy with authentic Winchester rifle. He also appeared as an American Revolutionary soldier or a WWII U. S. Marine, wearing the same herringbone utilities he was issued as an Old China Hand.
Bob served in the John Marshall Cadet Corps in Richmond as a high school student, enlisting in the Marines immediately upon turning 17. Bob celebrated his 18th birthday on the island of Okinawa and raised the first American flag on Sugar Loaf Hill. He also earned two Purple Hearts and was airborne-qualified.
Bob is survived by Phyllis, his wife of 58 years; his sons Jef, Ken and Mark and their respective wives Sue, Marianne and Jan; and by seven grandchildren. A memorial service, which included a Marine Corps League Color Guard, was held at Fairmount Christian Church on Oct. 26 with more than 400 people in attendance. He was eulogized by his three sons; Fairmount Ministers Harry Gill and Rick Raines; and immediate past national CC president, Keith Oliver.
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