Major Grayson C. Powell, Jr.

Maj. USAF, Ret. Grayson C. Powell, Jr., 94, of Valdosta, died peacefully at his home on Monday, July 24, 2023, after a lengthy illness. Grayson was born in Swainsboro to the late Grayson Candler & Kathleen Wynne Powell, and he had lived in Valdosta since 1962. He attended the University of Georgia and developed a lifelong love for the Georgia Bulldogs. There he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order Fraternity, and then graduated from Valdosta State University. Maj. Powell began his military career in the U.S. Navy, serving at the end of WW II. After the war he joined the U.S. Air Force and became a pilot. He fought in Korea and Vietnam, and also flew combat missions in the Lebanon crisis in 1958. He retired as a Major after 22 years in the Air Force in 1971. Following his retirement, he served a second career, in many different capacities, at the South Georgia Regional Development Center, and then retired again after 20 years. Grayson was a Mason and a Shriner, a member of the Air Force Association and the Order of the Daedalions. Locally, he was also active at the Valdosta Country Club, the South Georgia Seniors Golf Association, the Valdosta Touchdown Club, the 12 Old Men and he was a member of First Presbyterian Church. Throughout his life, Mr. Powell strived to be a true southern gentleman. His love for his family, friends and his country was absolute.

Survivors include his son, Carl G. Powell of Valdosta, his daughter Kathleen Powell Robinson of Stockbridge and four grandchildren, Joshua Coombs, Jason Coombs, Andrew Robinson and Ryan (& Curt) Watson. Also surviving are two great grandchildren, Madison & Gavin, special caregiver Penny Wills, and several nieces, nephews, cousins & other relatives. He is preceded in death by his wife, Joyce C. Powell, a grandson Zachary Robinson, a daughter in law, Gretchen Bennett Powell and a brother, Wendell W. Powell.

The funeral for Maj. Powell will be held at 10 am on July 29, 2023, in the chapel of Carson McLane Funeral Home. Rev. Jane Shelton will officiate. The committal, with full military honors will follow at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday morning from 9 am until service time. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church Break Bread Ministry or Hospice of South Georgia. Condolences may be conveyed to the family on the obituary page of www.mclanecares.com Carson McLane Funeral Home