We are here to celebrate the of life of Volney Powlis Sr. who passed away peacefully on June 6, 2020 at Crane's View assisted living where he resided since May 2018. Volney was born December 8, 1919 in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. He migrated to the Bronx, New York with his parents Joseph & Louise Powlis when he was 9 years old. He was the oldest of 6 kids. All 5 of his siblings: Joseph, Inga, Roy, Dorothy, and Austin preceded him in death. He was educated in the Bronx school system. After graduation he worked several jobs before getting hired by the New York Central Railroad. Volney was working at the railroad when he was drafted to the army during WWII. He spent 2 years serving in Ft. Benning, Georgia as a cook. After his honorary discharge, he returned to New York & was reinstated at his job at the railroad. Later he was promoted to forman. Volney worked for the railroad for over 40 years. While stationed in Ft. Benning, Volney met his 1 ^st wife Maggie, whom he married after his discharge. The union produced 4 sons, whom he was very proud of. During his working years, Volney sometimes worked 2 jobs to provide for his family.  After retirement he did odd jobs for friends and family. He always had a project because he was not the type to sit around! He enjoyed baking fruit & pound cakes for his family and friends.  Volney loved his family and took pride in all his children's accomplishments. He may have been a man of few words but he always told others about his children and all they had come to achieve. Volney was devasted by the loss of his first wife to cancer in 1974 after 30 years of marriage. He later met & married his 2 ^nd wife Greta, the marriage lasted 38 years. Greta died in 2014 after a long illness. Volney was a loyal and dedicated husband who was very involved in her daily care.

Volney is survived by 4 sons: Volney Jr. (Vap), William (Bill),  Alvin (Al), and Terrance (Terry), 3 daughters in law: Patricia, Roberta and Jennifer,  5 Grandchildren, 9 Great Grandchildren, Several Nieces, Nephews & Friends. Volney will be greatly missed