Ralph Jeffery Powell, devoted to family

Ralph Jeffery Powell, 64, of Clarksville, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family Thursday, July 25, 2024.  

Jeff was born in Salisbury, Md., and was raised in Clarksville, son of the late Ralph E. Powell and the late Mattie (Tyre) Powell.  He was a graduate of Indian River High School Class of 1977.  

Jeff worked as a mason and in the construction field before staying home and taking care of his father, Ralph, before his passing. Jeff enjoyed listening to his country music, riding his ATV, hunting, fishing and crabbing.  He also enjoyed attending all of his grandson’s baseball games. Jeff belonged to the Lower Sussex Van Club and enjoyed all of the comradery with other van club members.

Over the last few years, his relationship with his former wife, Janet Fisher, and her husband Mark grew, and they began traveling and vacationing together with all of their grandchildren to Tennessee and Cancun.  Jeff will be remembered for his love of Sussex County, animals, his cowboy boots, his hair, and most importantly, his devotion to his family.  

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Chelsea Powell. Jeff is survived by a son, Jason Powell of Frankford; a daughter, Melanie Petri and her husband Charles of Dagsboro; two sisters, Lisa Powell and her significant other Jeff O'Brien of Dagsboro, and Lori Colley and her husband John of Dagsboro; his former wife, Janet Fisher and her husband Mark of Frankford; 11 grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. 

A funeral service will be held at noon, Thursday, Aug. 8,  at the Ocean View Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 38040 Muddy Neck Road, Ocean View, where friends and family may call after 11 a.m.  Interment will follow at Mariner’s Bethel Cemetery in Ocean View.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting melsonfuneralservices.com.