Walter “Pete” Powell, 73, of Hampton, a building inspector at Old Dominion University, soccer coach,and life-long resident of Hampton, VA passed away on Thursday, May 20, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nolon Powell and Gwindlyn Powell Doak, and sister Betty-Ann Willis.
Pete is survived by his wife of 53 years, Yvonne Powell, their two children, Anita Powell-Byrd(Rick), and son Drew Powell(Dawn); three grandchildren; brothers Jessie Powell (Sandy), and Robert(Patricia); 10 nieces and nephews; and brothers/sisters-in-law who were like his own family.
After retirement from Old Dominion University, Pete enjoyed doing small projects around the house, playing in pool tournaments, and participating in Elk’s club functions. He loved watching English Premier League soccer games daily. If he wasn’t watching soccer, he was watching the Washington Football Team. In his younger years he owned his own drywall company, where giving friends and family an opportunity for employment was equally as important as the business results. Pete was a devoted soccer coach. He coached his son and hundreds of other kids from youth through high school soccer, at Bethel and Phoebus High Schools, and adult leagues. He did not know much about soccer in the beginning, as he never played as a child, but he became heavily involved when Drew started to play at 6 years old. He was a serious student of the game and eventually earned his US Soccer “D-license”. He loved soccer and especially loved teaching kids how to play and improve. In 1999 , at Phoebus High School, Coach Powell and his team won the Peninsula District title. It was the first time in the school’s 24 year history. He received the Coach of Year award that same year. He also won many travel soccer tournaments with the Hampton Blast soccer team. Pete helped many players showcase their skills to potential college coaches. Pete also took pride in training his granddaughters and encouraging them from the sidelines. Pete was also a student of karate as a young man, and performed at the “Battle of Atlantic” where Bruce Lee did an exhibition. Pete was a tough guy and broke his arm during a karate match but had the trainer secure his arm so he could continue. He loved karate and earned his black belt in the style of Okinawan Shorin-ryu, with many trophies along the way.
A celebration of Pete’s life will be held for family, friends, and others who knew Pete on June 11th, 5pm – 9 pm at his son’s home: 210 Latta Lane, Yorktown, VA 23693. If Pete touched your life in some way please come help us celebrate him. The event will be outside, and catered. Dress is casual and shorts are fine. Pete loved a good party with friends. We look forward to seeing you and hearing your stories.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: U.S. Soccer Foundation: https://ussoccerfoundation.org/donate/ or American Heart Association: www.heart.org
Cremation Society of Virginia-Newport News assisted the family with the arrangements.
