John Graham Powers Jr.

John was born on May 29, 1930, in Bryan Texas to the late John Graham Powers Sr. and the late Evelyn Blair Powers. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his sister, Evelyn Rae Coursey and her husband Jack of Paradise Valley, AZ.

John was a man who understood that life was meant to be lived—fully, actively, and always with the people he loved most. With his wife by his side, he built a life shaped by movement, curiosity, and connection. Whether they were gathered around a bridge table, stepping onto a tennis court, or boarding a plane to somewhere new, the two of them shared a partnership rooted in adventure and companionship. Born with a natural drive and a steady work ethic, he built a long and respected career as a cotton broker with American & Efird. At 62, after decades of dedicated work, he stepped into retirement with the same enthusiasm he brought to every chapter of his life. Retirement didn’t slow him down; it opened the door to a new rhythm. For 22 years, he and his wife embraced a life lived between two landscapes they loved—winters in the warm, sun washed expanses of Arizona, and summers in the familiar comfort of North Carolina. The seasonal migration became a treasured tradition, a way of savoring the best of both worlds and building friendships across state lines. Travel was one of his greatest joys. Together, he and his wife explored the country and the world, collecting memories from coastlines, cities, mountains, and far off places. Every trip was a story, every destination a chance to learn something new, and every return home a reminder of how lucky they felt to share the journey together. He was a proud member of First ARP Church in Gastonia and also apart of Rotary Alumnus. At the heart of it all was his devotion—to his wife, to the life they built, and to the simple pleasures that made each day meaningful.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 2:00 PM at First ARP Church, 317 S Chester St, Gastonia, NC 28052.

He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Linda H. Powers, Johns children, Pam Glenn and husband John of Gastonia, NC, AND John Graham Powers III of Gastonia, NC; step children, Dawn Glover of Wilmington, NC, Grant Glover of Asheville, NC, and Holly Duncan and her husband, Mark, of Black Mountain, NC; 2 granddaughters; 5 great grandchildren; niece, Della Schnell and her husband John, of paradise Valley, AZ; and grandnephew, Austin Duncan of San Diego, CA.

A private celebration of life for John will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to First ARP Church in Gastonia or to Least of These at https://fuel.lotcarolinas.com/donate