Jack Stallings Powell

Jack Stallings Powell, age 85, went home to be with the Lord on June 21, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Lenoir, NC on February 11, 1931 to the late Charles Jacob and Siddie Stallings Powell.

From an early age, Jack had a great love for baseball. He played for Lenoir High School and was a member of the 1948 Hickory American Legion Post 48 state championship team. During these years, he earned the nickname “Stretch” for his trademark first baseman fielding style. After a stint in the minor leagues with the Boston Braves, he was inspired to join the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. He enjoyed a rewarding career, serving on the Patrol as Driver and Security for Governor Terry Sanford and later as the North Carolina State Highway Patrol Benefits Officer. After 32 years of dedicated service, he retired as a lieutenant.

Following his retirement, he served for 15 years for the Smith, Debnam, Narron, Drake, Saintsing & Myers Law Firm.

He coached his two sons on Raleigh Recreation Department baseball teams for many years and was a positive role model for his players, seeking to instill in them an appreciation for discipline, determination, and hard work. He was twice awarded Coach of the Year by the Raleigh Hot Stove League.

Jack was a man who loved to laugh and share a good story but he will be remembered most as a devoted family man. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by daughter, Jacqueline Sue Powell; daughter-in-law, Lynette Jennings Powell and his siblings, Edna Miller, Asilee Powell, Pauline Powell, Helen Bradford, and Ned Powell.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Patricia Smith Powell; his children, Terry and wife Kelly Powell, Donna and husband Ted Frye, Randy and wife Carrie Powell, and Leslie Davis; his grandchildren, Robby and Rachel Braswell, Nora and Brandon Mills, Shane and Jaclyn Powell, Jessica Powell, Jamie Davis, Jacob Frye, and Claire and Craig Ikerd and nine great grandchildren.

At his request, a private memorial service is planned. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors Project. Mitchell Funeral Home is honored to serve the Powell family.