Bennie Wood Powell, 78, of Natural Bridge Station, Virginia, passed away Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at his home.

Mr. Powell was born March 31, 1933 in Rockbridge County, a son of the late John E. Powell and Lee Johnson Powell.

In addition to his parents, Bennie was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Campbell Powell; six brothers, Wilbert, Thomas, Norman, John Ed, Wallace, and Leonard Powell; and two sisters, Martha P. Mull and Minnie P. Austin, all of Natural Bridge.

Bennie was a member of the Faith Baptist Church and was retired from Burlington Industries.

Mr. Powell is survived by his son, Johnnie S. Powell and his wife, Peggy of Natural Bridge; and his special grandchildren, Serena and husband, Dirck Pence of Dayton, VA; Hillary Powell of Stuarts Draft, VA; Josh Powell of Virginia Beach; also a special great granddaughter, Callie Madison Pence of Dayton, VA.

Also surviving is one sister, Katie Austin of Natural Bridge Station, VA.

Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Saturday, April 9, 2011 at Faith Baptist Church with the Rev. Terry Bostic officiating. Burial will follow at Glasgow Cemetery. The family suggest that memorial contributions may be made to the Faith Baptist Church, P.O. Box 500, Natural Bridge Station, VA 24579 or Glasgow First Aid, P.O. Box 421, Glasgow, VA 24555. There will be no family visitation at the funeral home, but the family will welcome visitors at the home of Johnnie and Peggy.

Arrangements are being handled by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, VA.