Ronald Lynn Powell

Ronald Lynn Powell, 84, of Waynesville, Missouri (formerly of Kingsport, Tennessee, and Richmond, Kentucky), traded in his remote control for eternal peace on October 3, 2025. Ronald, known for his sharp wit and unwavering loyalty to the University of Tennessee, lived life with humor, heart, and at least one game always on TV. In fact, long before streaming and DVR made it easy, he was famously known for rigging up a dozen televisions on one wall just to keep an eye on every play. To him, there was no such thing as “too much sports” — only not enough screens. After proudly serving in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era, Ronald continued his lifelong commitment to service and excellence while working as a pathology specialist and medical clerk at Naval Base Oakland in California, Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, and Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. While attending East Tennessee State University, Ronald met the love of his life, Eva Kay (Patton) Powell. He graduated in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health and went on to dedicate more than 30 years to the Department of Veterans Affairs. As Chief of Environmental Science at several VA Medical Centers across the United States, he worked tirelessly to ensure safe, healthy environments for those who had served their country — something he took great pride in. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Eva Kay (Patton) Powell; his daughter and son-in-law — whom he proudly called his son — Dr. Michael and Amanda Koren; and his beloved cat, Rockee, the only cat he ever loved. All of them cared for and loved him every day from his favorite cozy chair tucked inside his Waynesville home. In his home state of Tennessee, he leaves behind his eldest daughter, Vicki Powell, of Talbott; his sister and brother-in-law, Gloria and Wayne Rutledge, of Kingsport; his best friend across the decades, his cousin, Wayne Powell; and many others across the world who, though not related by blood, proudly called him “Dad.” He leaves behind fond memories, laughter, and a sense of humor that was superbly witty, delightfully pointed, and as dry as the Sahara. Ronald was preceded in death by his father, Homer Wilson Powell; his mother, Ellen Mae Powell; his father-in-law, Warren Patton; his mother-in-law, Mary (Dye) Patton, his brother and sister-in-law, Boyce and Karen Patton; and several cats, grand-cats, and grand-dogs that he was never quite fond of — though they loved him anyway. Ronald was the kind of man who could turn even the most ordinary moment into a story worth retelling — which, of course, he did frequently. He believed in cheering loudly, loving fiercely, and not taking life (or himself) too seriously. His family takes comfort knowing he’s now watching from the best seat in the house — with unlimited channels, perfect reception, no blackouts, and the VOLS (or at least the SEC) always winning. Services will be held at Barnett Funeral Home in Wytheville, Virginia, on October 18, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., with a graveside service to follow at West End Cemetery. Laughter, stories, orange and white, and maybe even a little SEC representation will be welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family requests plants for the family or cash or clothing donations be made to the Richland Care Center in Richland, Missouri — a place that showed Ronald care, dignity, and kindness in his final days.

Ronald Lynn Powell

May 20, 1941 - October 3, 2025