William J. Powell

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. - William J. Powell, 56, Fort Walton Beach, passed away on April 20, 2021.

Bill was born on Oct. 30, 1964, in Gurney, Wisconsin, to Cecil and Annabel Powell. He graduated from Hurley High School in 1982 and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He was proud to serve with Ocean City Wright Fire Department as a fire fighter and first responder, rising to the rank of captain. Bill was a member of a FEMA relief team and was called into action at Ground Zero after the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks and multiple hurricanes, including Hurricane Katrina.

He was passionate about the Green Bay Packers. He loved spending time with his family and summers in Northern Wisconsin and made the best homemade bloody Mary mix.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Cecil and Annabell Powell; and brother, Ronald. He is survived by sisters, Annette (Dave) Johnson, Penny, Virginia (Rob) Eno, all of Ashland, Wisconsin, Ellen (Terry) Marcott, Las Cruces, New Mexico; Charlotte (George) Skoviera, Hudson, Wisconsin, and Lois (Mike) Downey, Niceville, Florida; and a brother, Paul Powell, Biloxi, Mississippi. He is further survived by nieces and nephews, Patrick (Holly) Downey, Jim (Sonja) Downey, Julie (Brent) Schwartz, Matthew (Paula) Skoviera, Aaron (Colleen) Skoviera, and Amanda Marcott; as well as numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

The funeral will take place on May 11 at noon at Emerald Coast Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior.

Memorials are suggested to the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 2879; please indicate Bill Powell Memorial. Send to OCWFCD No. 1, 233 Racetrack Road NE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547.

A memorial service will be held at the Gurney Cemetery at a later date. Expressions of love and sympathy may be placed and viewed online at emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com

Go, Pack. Go!