Elva Gene Powers

Elva Powers Obituary Elva Gene Powers, age 89, died Wednesday June 27 2018, at his residence in Hawkinsville surrounded by family. It is with gratitude for the outstanding life and leadership of Gene Powers that his family announces his transition into eternity. Gene Powers was born in Lake City, Florida, in 1928 to Audrey and Eula Mae Powers. His father died early in Gene’s life, and the love, laughter, and faith of his mother guided his childhood. The earliest influences of his life were those of his mother, and his paternal grandmother, a fiery native Floridian he knew as “Grandma Green”, who completed the small circle of love that encompassed Gene, his sister Lavan, and his mother. Gene had a difficult childhood and worked hard to help provide for his family. As the nation entered World War II, it was Gene’s dream to serve in the Merchant Marines. After several attempts to join, thwarted by his being found consistently underweight, he successfully enter the Navy at age 17, with a note of consent from his mother. Gene was an Electrician’s Mate Third Class, and served aboard a LST in the Pacific. After the War, he eventually moved to Ray City, Georgia to manage the new movie theatre in town, where he met his bride, Judith Ann Moore, a local beauty queen whose parents thoroughly approved of the new young man in town. Judith’s father met young Gene and came home exclaiming “Judith, why can’t you bring home someone like that?” – “So”, as Judith explains, “I married him”. Judith and Gene enjoyed 67 years of marriage, which produced two children, ten grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. They began married life in Florida, where Gene entered the banking industry and completed his education, earning a degree from LSU’s School of Banking of the South. Gene was a successful banker in Florida for many years, and a strong leader in church and civic activities. Upon retirement, Judith and Gene decided to return to their Georgia roots, and found Hawkinsville. Charmed by the beauty of the town and the warmth of its citizens, they settled here more than 30 years ago, where Gene was active in the Masons, Shrine, and American Legion organizations. Gene loved everything about Hawkinsville, and found happiness and contentment here. Hawkinsville was also beloved to Gene’s precious son David, who preceded him in death by seven months. Gene is survived by his wife Judith, daughter Angela, son –in law Bob, grandchildren Powers Ward, Brittin Ward, Isabel Ward, Titus Ward, Davis Ward, Elysia Ward, and Amanda Powers, Allison Powers, Angie Powers, David Powers II, and a great- granddaughter Alyssa, child of his beloved first grandchild, Amanda. Gene was a wise, honorable man, and his family pays tribute to him with these words of Shakespeare: “Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet Prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.” To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elva Gene Powers, please visit our floral store. Read More

Elva Gene Powers

December 15, 1928 - June 27, 2018