Robert Lee Powell

Mr. Robert Lee Powell, age 95, of Lenoir, went to his heavenly home on Friday, September, 26, 2025. Born and raised in Wilkes County, he moved to Ohio in the early 1950's with his wife, Charlotte then they returned permanently to Lenoir in 1958. In September 2024, he became a resident of Shaire Center in Lenoir.

Robert was born on December 14, 1929 to the late John Franklin Powell and Ella Maie Powell. Besides his parents, he lost his wife, Charlotte Christene Turnmire Powell in 2020 and dealt with the untimely death in 2003 of his adored grandson, Erik Warren Soots at 24 years of age. Also deceased are 2 brothers- Joe and Floyd Powell, 2 sisters- Alta Townsend and Nancy Bolick, and several nieces and nephews.

Robert was a Godly man with a calm caring spirit and great wisdom. He reached out to people and loved to have conversations over a good cup of coffee. He was a loving and faithful husband of nearly 70 years to Charlotte and was at her side daily the last 5 years of her life overshadowed by dementia while she resided at Shaire Center. He was a loving dedicated father to his son, Jimmy and daughter, Sharon. He gave freely of his time from helping with school projects, fishing trips, attempting to climb Table Rock covered by snow or a simple walk through the woods to experience nature. There was always an adventure in the making that led to great vacations that involved camping. He was happiest when outdoors with a cup of coffee in his hand. He loved coffee and even a short trip from home to Lenoir required a thermos full.

This same spirit of giving carried over to others and resulted in numerous years of serving as a scout leader. Beyond showing them survival skills and helping them attain program scouting goals, he taught them about God which influenced their life decisions as adults. He attended South Lenoir and Hudson Church of God most of his life often teaching adult Sunday school class and youth programs on a weekly basis. He, also, served on the mens council regarding church business. He attended Poarch Chapel Missionary Methodist for 2 years before moving to Shaire Center.

Robert served in the Army from January 1947 to November 1949 with an honorable discharge. As a Medical Technician in Japan, he assisted medical officers administering first aid and shots to the sick and injured. After the army, he returned to Lenoir, got married in 1951, and they moved to Ohio where he worked until 1957 when they moved back to Lenoir.

He began working in the furniture industry doing upholstery and quality control, and he retired from Crestline-Corson Furniture in Valdese. He continued to work part-time at Shield's Furniture in Lenoir until the age of 80.

Robert will be sorely missed by family and friends. Those remaining to cherish his memory are his son- Jimmy Lee Powell and wife, Janet of Lenoir; his daughter- Sharon Powell Soots and husband, Ray of Granite Falls; granddaughter- Andrea Danielle Powell Hambright and husband, David of Hickory. Family can be described in many ways and his was enriched even more by bonus grandchildren- Angelique Dawn Soots Price and husband, Brian of Lenoir; Barry Glenn Soots and wife, Esther of Florida; and Jeffrey Ray Soots and wife, Lynne of Oak Island, NC; great-grandchildren- Kristi Soots Parker and husband, Louis; Megan Soots Gaddy and husband, Trey; Lauren Price; Chris Price and wife, Lindsey; and Brittany Price; great-great-grandchildren- Jaiden Blow, Kaileb Blow, Charlotte Price and Boone Price; and 2 great-great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by 3 sisters- Mary, Jean, and Linda; and 2 brothers- Tom and Dan. He had numerous nieces and nephews.

A receiving will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025 from 6:30 PM until 8:30 PM at Pendry's Lenoir Funeral Home.

A funeral service to honor Robert will be held Friday, October 3, 2025 at 1:00 PM at South Lenoir Church of God. Rev. Howard Smith will be officiating along with Rev. Bobby Pritchard and Rev. Wallace Smith. Interment will follow the service at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens in Lenoir.

Pallbearers will be Matthew Cowick, Brian Price, Chris Price, Duane Turnmire, Scott Turnmire, and Colby Turnmire.

Mr. Powell's family would like to convey their utmost gratitude to Shaire Nursing Center and Amorem Hospice for their care and compassion.