Eugene David Powell

Eugene David Powell, 82, of Ruckersville, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 25, 2026, at the University of Virginia Medical Center.
Born on December 5, 1943, Eugene was the son of the late Alton Eugene Powell and Annie Lawson Powell. He lived a life marked by courage, service, devotion to family, and a love of history and the outdoors.

A proud United States Marine Corps veteran, Eugene served his country honorably during a time of war and was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in service. Though he rarely spoke of his sacrifices, those who knew him recognized his deep commitment to his fellow servicemen and his country.

Beyond his military service, Eugene was also passionate about genealogy and local history, spending countless hours researching family roots, preserving records, writing books and uncovering stories that connected generations. His efforts ensured that family histories would be remembered and shared for years to come.

Above all, Eugene cherished his family. He was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose love, wisdom, and steady presence enriched the lives of those around him.
He is survived by his daughters, Tonya Renee Haynes and her husband, Scott, and Michelle Powell Keenan and her husband, Mike; his sisters, Rhonda I. Page and her husband, H.T., Regina P. Pool and her husband, John, and a very close cousin(like a sister) Marguerite P. Miller and her husband, Billy; his beloved grandchildren, Powell Joshua Haynes, Kacy Noller and her husband, Aaron, Benjamin Michael Keenan, Nathaniel James Keenan, and Alexander David Keenan; his nieces, Lauren E. P. Grammer and her husband, Ryan, and their children Raleigh, Campbell, and Anne Powell; Alexandra P. Peyton and her husband, John, and their children Oliver and Waverly; Hilary Page and her husband, Reid, and their children Opal and John; and his nephew, Early Page and his wife, Brynn, and their children Bentlee and Kodee; cousins Ashley Miller and his wife, Cheryl, and their son, Brett; and Cameron Miller and his son, Justin.

Eugene's legacy is one of service, perseverance, curiosity, and love. Through his military sacrifice, the gardens he cultivated, the family history he preserved, and the care he showed those he loved, he leaves a lasting impact on all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Preddy Funeral Home Chapel in Madison, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Greene Historical Society, honoring Eugene's lifelong passion for preserving history and family heritage.

As family and friends gather to remember him, they celebrate a life well lived—a veteran, a gardener, a historian, and a beloved family man whose memory will continue to inspire all who knew him.