Birth date: May 18, 1935 Death date: Jan 27, 2021
Richard “Dick” Ramon Powell, 85, of Culpeper, Virginia, previously of Alexandria, Virginia, passed away at his home on Wednesday, January 27, 2021. He is survived by his companion of 45 years, Sonia Kay Mills, his daughter, Debora Read Obituary
My deepest sympathy to Sonia and family. Dick and Sonia were my great friends and neighbors in Pinecrest for many years. Such a happy guy🙏
My deepest sympathy. Hazel
I knew Dick almost 40 years, my whole glass career. A piece of work, a good egg and kept you on your toes! Learned more about life when I got to see him more at Woodbridge Glass. He will be missed !
Wayne Storie
I am sure I won’t be the only friend of Dick’s to reference Sinatra’s “My Way” as I think of how he swaggered through life. Dick worked hard, played hard, and made a lot of friends in the course of his time.
He was an easy man to like, one who would join a crowd, and light them up with his straight talk, sense of humor, and full throated laughter. I don’t think he enjoyed anything more than a crowd, a scotch, and a cigar.
He wore his feelings on his sleeve, never put up with bullshit, and would call you out on it in a heartbeat. And the next minute, everyone would be laughing as he turned it on a dime and lit up another cigar.
Of course, you couldn’t know Dick without knowing Sonia. I will always remember early days at Joe Theisman’s in Arlington sitting with my wife, Susan, John and Brenda, and Dick and Sonia. Dick and Sonia spent many years together and if you know the person Sonia is, you know that the strength of their relationship speaks again to the man Dick was.
The primary photo of Dick in this obituary really reveals everything he was. The mischievous smile, the friendly aspect he projects, and the healthy skepticism he had all show through for us all to remember.
Susan and I will think of Dick Powell often. We are certain that others who knew him will help with that. And in a world that is woefully short of strong individuals and unique characters, we will be one short with his passing; a man who did it “His Way”.
There were many times I would trek across the street to join Dick and Sonia for dinner and/or drinks. Of course, hanging out on their deck was always a good time. All I would need to do was walk by the house and if I smelled cigar smoke, I knew at least Dick would be out on the deck. As a salesman, I thought Dick had been to a ton of cities, because sometimes when I would mention places where I may have traveled, he usually had a good story of his experience there and he'd be so detailed and when the ladies weren't on the deck, I'd get some juicy tidbits (ha,ha). Dick surely enjoyed his mastery of the grill. The finished products were always great tasting (Emeril, take note). When it came to his birthday or Christmas, Dick was pretty easy to buy for. I could never go wrong with a 12 or 18 year old single-malt Scotch. He always lit up when he unwrapped it. I always enjoyed watching the Nats games with Dick. If I had missed the game the night before, Dick would always provide the highlights. Hopefully, heaven has some big screen TVs for game watching. Dick, you will be missed.
I can’t remember exactly where in VA it was that I first met Dick and Sonia .. probably Theisman’s, but I do know it was the first of many evenings that involved enjoying friendship, good food, refreshments and Dicks’s enchanting stories of his travels and life. It was the beginning of many, many wonderful times. From the day I met Dick, he had a wicked Fun Smile with a glint in his eyes and stories and jokes to tell... Most of which I had never heard before. Always the gentleman, he often would help me into a “HighChair” and most times giving up his own seat.
I have numerous fond memories being with Sonia and Dick at numerous DC and VA restaurants. There were times too at their Alexandria home when dick would cook salmon, scallops or grill at their deck.
Once when I was in DC I had a Super Bowl party (I distinctly remember My Cowboys beat the Redskins)..
When all the guest had left except for Sonia, my man Roger from England, and Dick. Dick & Roger had a “Bro” thing going. I had a new bottle of brandy for especially for Dick because I knew he liked it. Well Dick and Roger drank the whole bottles for proceeded to open my bottle of Crown which they also finished. Once again, it was a good thing Sonia was driving them home to Skyline.
After I left DC I got to see them on my trips to DC and would enjoy staying with them at their home.
I was also honored that Dick and Sonia extended a vacation trip to Charleston, SC by on their return home, they detoured to come to my home on Lake Greenwood for a couple nights. Dick had a cold and was on medicine and didn’t feel great. But, they made the effort to go out of their way to spend a couple of nights with me. That was Special to me.
Also, after I left DC, I got to spend time with them at their home. I was fortunate to join Sonia, Janet, John, and Brenda to celebrate Dick’s 80th Birthday at Myrtle Beach historical Sea Captain’s restaurant.
As a “newbie” to DC and VA area in the early 90’s, I was introduced to Dick and Sonia and from day one, they extended their friendship and love to include me in unlimited favorite get togethers at local places we all enjoyed. Dick and Sonia always made me feel welcome and “included” never a single 3rd or 5th wheel. I was always welcome and a friend.
Dick, I know you are with our Lord, and with peace.
I’m sure you have joined our beloved Rick and catching up on stories galore.
You are missed now and each day. Love ya !
What a great man you were Dick. I can’t thank you enough for the memories and too many laughs that you gave us all. A sip of Dewars and a fine cigar in your honor sir. Cheers to you and may you Rest In Peace
