John Franklin Powers Jr.

Dear Sue and family, I am so sorry for your loss, Your grandfather sounds like such a wonderful man, I hope the good memories will help you through this very sad time.

Jack! Now Mom’s going to know that we skipped school and we’ll be grounded! They were indeed dressed in their Sunday best. I’ll never forget how happy they looked; Nanny like a young girl with a secret that she shared only with her prince charming. That wasn’t the first time I met Pop. A friend of my father’s invited us to a picnic and Nanny brought a date. I immediately noticed how attentive he was and how he hung on Nanny’s every word. They were quite smitten with one another. It wasn’t long before they eloped and Jack and I bumped into them. It was hilarious – they stopped in their tracks and so did we. They didn’t ask what we were doing and we didn’t ask what they were doing. But we knew! Pop was always interested in whatever we were doing. He was always quick with advice. He always had a funny story to share. Oh goodness, the arguments he had with my dad over politics. I always quickly left the room. My daughter Lindsey was the first great grandchild. To this day, he would say to me, “You know, Lindsey looked purple when she was born. That meant she was healthy”. I moved to Lynchburg soon after Lindsey was born and Nanny and Pop traveled to see us frequently. My son Matthew was born and they lavished the same love on him. I moved back to Virginia Beach when my children were quite small and to say I had it tough is an understatment. They didn’t spoil but they

always seemed to know when my children needed shoes or lunch money. Lindsey spent many, many weekends with Nanny and Pop. She would call them on Thursdays and make her weekend plans with them. I saved the best for last! In 1982, Pop gave me his 2 door 1974 Gran Torino. Man, I was Starsky and Hutch cool! Pop, thank you for the love you gave to me and my children. Thank you for cheerfully attending every gathering. Thank you for being a wonderful, loving father to my parents, John and Barbara Haney. Thank you for the love and advice you gave to my siblings, Jack, Scott, Jerry and Erica. Thank you for being excited each time a new baby was born. We all love you and miss you.

My dearest Pop Pop,

You always wonder what you will think when the day comes where you get a phone call like I did on Saturday. I don’t even know where to begin. I bet you were not like any other great grandfather. You always reminded me that you saw me when I was still blue right after being born. You always told that to any of my friends that you met. Or anyone we talked to at Fleet. I had so much fun with you and Nanny. Nanny wanted me to eat prunes you told her, “leave her alone!” I remember going to Fleet with you on the weekends all the way back to the old Fleet before the new one was built. I remember watching Lawrence Welk saturday nights while I sat in the recliner with you. I remember you letting me paint your nails and put barettes in your hair. One day you even went to the store forgetting about them in your hair! I remember all the treats you kept at the house for us when we came over. We would walk to 7-11 to get slurpees. Nanny yelling at you in the car, “John slow down.” Then you saying, “Ahh Helen be quiet!” I remember when you bought me my first car and how excited you were to give it to me. You called me at work that day 3 times to double check what time I would be over. That was after Nanny passed. You never forgave yourself you always told me. After Nanny passed and you were home from rehab I would come over after work and we would have dinner. I would pick something up, or sometimes we went somewhere or you would cook. You always made sure Jackson had his own plate! Remember the crazy dog you had for awhile? One of the most important days to me was when you met Scottie. You were so proud of his service in the Navy. You and him could talk about the Navy for hours. And especially the day I called to tell you he made Chief. You were so excited. Pop Pop you are so special to me. I remember being sad about leaving Va Beach when we got orders. You told me I would be fine and that it’s the Navy way. But I knew I was going to be missing time with you. I am so glad that you got to meet 3 of your great great grandchildren. Not too many grandparents get to do that. You have always been a kind hearted person. You always could joke around. I know how much you adored Nanny and she loved you just as much. You took to the Haney family without even thinking twice. The same way Michael did for us. But that was never the way you looked at it. I know how much respect I have for Michael for being a Dad to Matt and I. The same goes for you. We were all family no matter how we became a family. I feel so blessed that I was able to make it home for your service. You will always hold such a big piece of my heart. I know you are now with Nanny and are happy again. Someday my time will come and I know you will be waiting open armed. I love you with with all my heart. And I want you to remember something for me, always stay 39 and holdin’!!! <3

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. John was a kind and gentle man and will be missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace, John.

Pop,

You were a wonderful man! You always had the bigest smile on your face! I will miss spending the holidays with you at my mothers house and having good conversations with you, you always had the rightwords to say whenever someone had a question. You always gave the right words of wisdom to guide someone in the right direction! You will be missed and loved by all of us for all of eternity! We Love you with all of our heart’s . – The Haney Family!

Sue, Mike and family, our thoughts and prayers to you during your loss,there is never enough to say in a time like this. Mark and Kim Jerald