William Arthur Powley

After graduating from Winterville High School, where he excelled in sports, he enlisted in the Navy. He served during the Korean Conflict and was discharged in 1952. During his time in the Navy, he met a young woman on a blind date. After he turned in his “whites”, he headed to Charlottesville to be with Alease. Charlottesville became his home. He graduated from the Jefferson School of Commerce, worked at a couple retail stores before finally landing at the Young Men’s Shop, where he became a partner in the business.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife and soul mate of 68 years, Alease Dickinson Powley, mother-in-law, Edna Miller, sisters in law, Vernell Gibson (Carl), Earline Shifflett (Reuben) and Genevieve Jennings (Wayne), his niece Gail Weakley and dear friend Cindy Fox.

He is survived by his children, W. Andrew Powley (Linda), Pamela Ayres (Linny) and Lisa Powley. He was blessed with five grandchildren Tyler Ayres (Jess), Timothy Ayres, Jessie Stringer (Will), Martin Powley (Jessica) and Phifer Herrala (Bret). He had seven great grandchildren that brought so much joy into his life, Caroline Stringer, Taylor Stringer, Collin Ayres, Camden Ayres, William Hunter Powley, Corinne Ayres and Charlotte Powley. He is also survived by his brother Richard Powley (Linda), many nieces and nephews and dear friends. Our pets have been an important part of our lives and Jake provided him with the great companionship and was a great nap partner.

In their later years, Bill and Alease embarked on many adventures, cruises, train rides, cross-country trips and casinos. They loved the mountains but always loved their toes in the sand and fishing. In 1983 they decided to try “life on a sandbar” and built a house in Rodanthe, NC where they enjoyed many summers making wonderful memories with family and friends.

Alease passed away in 2020, Bill missed her deeply, but he never gave up on life. He has made multiple trips to Rodanthe, a place that he loved, but only with the help of Chicamacomico Banks Fire Water Rescue Teams. We cannot thank them enough.

We also want to thank his medical teams, The Veteran’s Administration, Dr.Montoya and Dayna, Dr.Stokes, Valeria Niehaus, Melissa Schmidt and Pace Morris.

He was definitely proud to be an American and a Veteran.

A celebration of His Life and the Life he shared with Alease will be celebrated in Free Union at the Church of the Brethren Wednesday July 22, at 11:00am., Reception to follow. Burial will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Chicamacomico Banks Fire Department, PO Bx 125, Rodanthe, NC 27968, your local Rescue Squad and or blood donation.

A life well lived and now a time for his new journey to begin… Together Again!