William D. Powell Jr., 82, of Dawsonville, died Oct. 11, 2010.

Born Jan. 22, 1928 in Birmingham, Ala. to the late William Dewey and Leo Powell, he had lived in Dawson County for the past 16 years, having moved from Atlanta.

Mr. Powell attended public schools in the Birmingham area and Auburn University.

He graduated from Birmingham Southern College with a degree in geology.

He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and served in the Pacific area and in North China.

Recalled to service during the Korean Conflict, he received a meritorious commission. Remaining in the Reserves after active duty, he retired with the rank of Colonel.

Colonel Powell retired from the Unites States Steel Corporation with 30 years of service, having worked in the Coal Mine Division and Fairfield Steel Works.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Grogan Powell of Dawsonville; daughters and son-in-law, Terry L. Powell of Dillingham, Alaska, Susan P. and Randall Allen of Birmingham, Ala.; two grandchildren; a great-grandson; various other relatives also survive.

Colonel Powell was interred in the Barrancas National Cemetery at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Fla.

Bearden Funeral Home of Dawsonville was in charge of the arrangements.