Obituary of Walter LeRoy Powell Jr.

Walter LeRoy Powell, Jr., 85 passed into his eternal rest on January 23, 2015 after a brief illness at Cortland Regional Medical Center. Walt was born on August 10, 1929 to Walter and Mary (Thomas) Powell Sr. in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He was raised in the Scranton area and served our country in the United States Army Reserves, earning the rank of Corporal, until his honorable discharge in 1960. Walt married Ruth Ellen Brown on June 27, 1959, by her father Pastor Paul M. Brown in Cortland, New York. He was a member of the Congregationalist Church. Walt graduated in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science from Pennsylvania State Teacher's College in Stroudsburg; he then began a three year Educational Media and Journalism graduate fellowship at Syracuse University. He worked as a social worker and later as a volunteer researcher for area University Professors. A true gentleman, always wanting to share what he had, Walt was a man of integrity and simplicity. Many days in his time, Walt would be seen walking throughout the Cortland area. He resided at the Seven Valley Motel in Cortland; his home for 35 years. "He was a true family friend who will be missed by us all." Walt never lost the love to read, learn, and retained his devout interest in people. He encouraged others and was never critical in nature. Memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2015 at 5:30pm at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home in Cortland. Rev. Cory J. Eckstrom of St. Paul Lutheran Church will officiate. Burial will be in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Homer Congregational Church, 28 South Main St, Homer, NY 13077. To offer online condolences visit www.wright-beard.com