Powell Arthur Hess

Powell Arthur Hess, 93, of Bluefield, Virginia, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2025.  He was born January 23, 1932, in Tazewell, Virginia.  He was the son of the late Everett J. Hess and Jettie Hess, and stepmother Viola Hess all of Abbs Valley.

Powell was a graduate of Pocahontas High School and attended WV Business College.

He enlisted in the USAF in 1949, where he proudly served until 1953.

Powell is survived by his wife of 69 years, Joan Dickerson Hess; son, Steve Hess of Bluefield, West Virginia, his wife Anne, and their daughters, Stephanie Hess and Ashley Barrett; and daughter, Valerie Osborne, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and her daughter Melissa Baldwin, and sons David and Christopher.  Powell was preceded in death by son-in-law, Thomas Osborne.

Surviving siblings are Norma Smith, Paul Hess, Herbert Hess, Linda Lambert, and Everett Hess Jr.  He was preceded in death by siblings Velva Hicks, Clint Hess, George Hess, Wade Hess, Giles Hess, Clarence Hess, and Jack Hess.

Powell is also survived by many great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.

Powell was a drywall contractor for 55 years.

Powell had his private pilots license and owned a Piper Cherokee single engine plane.  He spent many hours flying over the beautiful Shenandoah Valley.  He was also an amazing carpenter and woodworker, constructing a gazebo, a workshop, and playhouses.  He also made many trellises and bird houses for his friends and family.

Powell had a quick wit creating funny sayings and silly songs.  He had an affectionate way of bestowing nicknames to those he knew and loved.  He loved being with his family and will be sadly missed.

A service to celebrate Powell's life will be held Saturday July 12th at 12:00 PM at Dudley Memorial Chapel in Bluefield, Virginia, with Craig Hammond officiating.

Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service.   Burial will follow at Grandview Memory Gardens.  Military last rites will be given.