Kenneth Charles Powell, Sr

Kenneth Charles Powell Sr. passed away on September 24, 2022, in Voorhees, New Jersey after a lengthy illness. He was born on June 1, 1931, in Boone County, West Virginia to the late Arthur Sr. and Cepha Powell. He was the second of five children and was preceded in death by his brother Arthur Powell Jr. and his sisters Anna Walker and Della Lewis.

Kenneth married Beatrice Victoria Taylor on February 2, 1952, and God blessed them with four children: Kenneth (Felicia) Powell, Rita Powell, Michael (Barbara) Powell and their ‘Johnny-come-lately’ Christopher (Traci) Powell.

Kenneth graduated from Aracoma High School and furthered his education at West Virginia State Barber College. In 1952, Kenneth joined the United States Army. He served as an electrical technician at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Following his time in the military he began working as a Junior barber; after his training he became a licensed barber. He owned and operated Kenny’s Barber Shop in Huntington, West Virginia for many years. In 1966 Kenneth sold his barber shop and relocated with his loving family to New Jersey where he barbered on Fort Dix Post and McGuire Air Force Base until retirement. His sons, grandsons and family will remember all the great conversations they had during their haircuts.

Kenneth was a 32nd Degree Past Master Mason as well as a Shriner. Kenneth was recently nominated to have a banner hung in downtown Huntington, West Virginia, commemorating African American business owners who made a positive impact in the city.  He LOVED baseball, football (Pittsburg Steelers), basketball, soccer -- you name it. He participated, coached, and was an avid spectator over the years. Kenneth also enjoyed playing cards, croquet with friends and family and he had a large collection of hats that he loved to wear. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke it was always relevant and insightful. Kenneth enjoyed spending time with his family. He answered to many names: Dad, Daddy, Ole Man, Tena, Pappydad, Uncle Big Kenny, Uncle Kenny, Grandpa, Grandpop. His family and friends adored him.

His memory will be cherished by the love of his life, Beatrice Powell - his wife of 70 years, his four children and their spouses, 9 grandchildren and 2 grand fur-babies, 32 great-grandchildren, his youngest sister Delores (Paul) Lubben, brother-in-law Willie Lewis, sisters-in-law, and a host of cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.