Benjamin Hamilton Powell of Crozet, born August 27, 1951, passed away Wednesday, January 14, 2015, after a courageous fight with leukemia.

He was the son of the late Cato and Elizabeth Powell of North Garden and was predeceased by a brother, William Cato Powell.

Surviving him are his two sisters, Billie Powell Hogan and Gerald of The Villages, Florida, and Emily Powell Runkle of Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Also surviving are his nieces, Sara Runkle Nichols and Steve of Tampa, Florida, Dana Runkle Marder of Tallahassee, Florida, and Martha Hogan Perkins and Gregory of Charlottesville, Virginia; his nephews, Col. Bryan T. Runkle, USAF, and Beth of Chesapeake, Virginia, and Geoffrey W. Hogan and Sarah of Palmyra, Virginia, along with a number of great nieces and nephews and many beloved cousins.

Bennie was an avid sports fan, played on a soft ball team until he was in his fifties, played football for his high school team at Frederick Military Academy, loved the game of golf, and was the most enthusiastic fan in the bleachers supporting the University of Virginia football and baseball teams.Through his valiant fight with leukemia for the past year and a half, he never lost his laugh and love of life.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at 11 a.m., at Moreland Baptist Church in North Garden, Virginia. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that any memorial in his name be given to the Emily Couric Cancer Center, UVA Cancer Center, P.O. Box 800773, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0773. Checks may be made payable to the UVA Cancer Center. Donors should also note that gifts are in memory of Benjamin Powell in the memo or an accompanying note. Gifts may also be made online by clicking here: giving.uva.edu/supportuvacancercenter (In the special instructions box indicate that the gift is in memory of Benjamin Powell).Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hillandwood.com.

Submitted by Sam Clarke