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![William Powell](/tribute-images/cropped/4/William-Powell.jpg)
Tribute Wall
Saturday
11
February
Visitation
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Saturday, February 11, 2023
Big Flats Presbyterian Church
95 Main Street
Big Flats, New York, United States
Saturday
11
February
Memorial Service
12:00 pm
Saturday, February 11, 2023
Big Flats Presbyterian Church
95 Main Street
Big Flats, New York, United States
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Shawn Markham posted a symbolic gesture
Saturday, February 11, 2023
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Bill was a kind and dedicated husband, father which was demonstrated in all he did. I first met Bill for dinner the evening before my interview at Corning. He shared many things that evening which assured me Corning Inc was a safe and genuine place to enjoy an engineering career. He was very proud of his wife Barb and his children sharing many stories. His experiences gave me the confidence to welcome a bonus son thru marriage. Bill will be missed but not forgotten. - Shawn Markham
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Brandon Krazinski posted a condolence
Friday, February 10, 2023
My deepest condolences to Bill's family. I had the pleasure of getting to know Bill over the past several years through participation in the Big Flats Lions Club. He always had a great solution for any task, and kept us all laughing. He was certainly an accomplished person and loved helping his community. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
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Dave Weiss posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
My deepest and sincere condolences to Bill´s family.
I was privileged to have worked with Bill over a 25 year span at Corning. He had everything it took to be a great coworker - knowledge, passion, focus and, above all, the drive to help others. And more than that, Bill was a great human being with a wicked sense of humor and that "Bill" smile. I count myself lucky to be one of the many who Bill helped in their careers.
A few years ago I met a couple here outside of Phila. who had been to Corning and toured CMoG with a docent they described as a lovely silver haired gentleman. I asked if he was named Bill Powell. They enthusiastically said yes and that he had `made´ their visit. In many ways Bill helped `make´ my career-long `visit´ to Corning. Thanks Bill.
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Katie Butler posted a condolence
Monday, February 6, 2023
What always stood out to me about Bill was his kindness and sense of humor. Whenever we all got together there was always a lot of laughter and he made me feel included as one of the kids. I'm amazed by the many accomplishments of Bill's life, and after reading through the memories from others it's clear he made a such a strong impact with his smile and intelligence. Bill was a wonderful person and he will be very much missed.
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Denise McKinney posted a condolence
Sunday, February 5, 2023
"Uncle Bill" was the way I met him and the only way I knew him, even though I'm a random extra family member-friend of his niece. He was one of the warmest, kindest spirits I've ever had the honor of coming across. His smile was ever present and infectious. Uncle Bill, your presence will be dearly missed. My deepest condolences to the family. He is remembered. He is loved. He is carried in the hearts of all who were touched by his light. Rest in peace, Uncle Bill
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Katie Elder posted a condolence
Sunday, February 5, 2023
I am struggling with the idea of not being able to see my uncle Bill again. Like Phil, I would look forward to playing "what is something you know a lot about that Bill might not?", and like Phil, I often came up short (he even had insight to contribute to a topic as benign as Harry Potter, about which I boast CONSIDERABLE expertise). In fact, 99% of our exchanges would end with me going down a Wikipedia spiral about any number of things Bill might mention. He was brilliant without being arrogant, offering fascinating information without ever humbling or embarrassing his audience. That's a hard line to toe, but he did it effortlessly with me. He was special, and he was kind. He was always the first to celebrate the achievements of the people he loved.
In addition to that, he was FUNNY. I remember feeling true pride as a kid when I started "getting" Bill's jokes, as though some gatekeeper had decided I was clever enough to join that special club. I will miss you, uncle Bill, and I will miss your greetings with a big hug and a "Great to see you, young lady!"
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Phil Elder posted a condolence
Sunday, February 5, 2023
Uncle Bill was one of the smartest, kindest, gentlest people I've had the pleasure of knowing well. He never boasted, at least not around me, and he never offered unsolicited advice, but the guidance I asked for is still some of the most closely treasured advice I've ever received - from how to deal with difficult friends, to the secret of a successful marriage, to how to navigate through a career. I loved our talks and I'm deeply, deeply saddened that there won't be any more. Or, as Bill might say, that we'll have to wait a bit longer before our next one.
I remember every time we would get together, from the age of 5 until last year, I would try to stump him, or at least offer a Snapple Fact about something, anything in the world that he might not have heard of. Never worked. I end that game with an 0-20+ record. Well played, Uncle Bill.
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john elder lit a candle
Sunday, February 5, 2023
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I will miss you deeply Brother-In-Law. We have shared some wonderful memories over the past decades. I lit a candle in church this morning for you. John
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Jon Schmid uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, February 4, 2023
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When Barb and Bill came to visit us in October 2021, I had a chance to talk with Bill about some of the volunteer work he was doing. With a group of other volunteers, Bill had been working to build ramps to make peoples’ homes accessible to their wheelchairs. Bill showed me pictures of the recent ramps he had completed; it was very touching to see that side of him.
During the same visit, Bill, Barb, and Frances decorated sugar cookies from Friendlies. Frances remembers that fondly. In fact, she just reminded me that the icing colors were purple, orange, and yellow. And that there were sprinkles.
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Valerie Schmid posted a condolence
Friday, February 3, 2023
I am so glad I met Bill last year when he and Barb visited Tom and Gayle in Georgia. I had heard so much about Bill (and Barb) for the 30 years I’ve known Tom and Gayle. I was so impressed with Bill but after reading this obituary I must say I am even more impressed. Not only did he have a wonderful smile and a fun and friendly personality, but his bio here is SO impressive with his achievements and experience. I am so glad I met him when I did and May he rest in peace after a life well and fully lived. Barb the Schmid family is here for you. Love, Valerie Schmid
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A Memorial Tree was planted for William Powell
Friday, February 3, 2023
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Barber Funeral Home
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The family of William R. Powell uploaded a photo
Friday, February 3, 2023
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