William P. Powell Sr.

William Paul Powell “Bill” Sr., passed away Friday, April 9th, 2010. Bill was born at home on June 9, 1932 in Horseshoe, NC (Henderson Co.) to his parents the late Edna Love Powell and Jim Reid Powell and his twin brother Bobby, who died at birth.

Bill graduated from Mills River High School with honors. He received his Pharmacy degree in 1954 from the University of North Carolina. In addition to working 3 jobs on campus while at UNC to pay his way, Bill was President of his graduating class, President of the Pharmacy Honor Society and recipient of the Rho Chi Award for highest scholastic average. He worked for a year at Rose Pharmacy in Hendersonville before entering the US Army in 1955. After his return to the states he became a pharmacist and partner at the Community Medical Center in Mars Hill and also opened drug stores in Black Mountain and Swannanoa, NC.

Bill was very community minded and loved his town of Mars Hill. He served as mayor of Mars Hill for 20 years, seeing many accomplishments under his leadership. Politics was one of his many interests. In addition to being Mayor, Bill served one term as State Senator and was Chairman of the Madison County Board of Elections from 1985 to 1989.

Bill moved to Raleigh in 1989 and held positions with the NC State government as Business Manager with Governor Morehead School and Capital Projects Administrator in the Department of Human Resources. He missed the pharmacy profession and returned to the mountains, where he worked as the staff clinical pharmacist at Black Mountain Center in Black Mountain. Upon retirement, he and Barbara moved back to Raleigh to be near their children. Bill did not want to “retire” so he started working part time at the Food Lion Pharmacies- often traveling some distances to a job, but he loved his work and the interaction with others. Two years ago poor health forced him to stop altogether.

He was a man with a big heart, who loved his Lord. He was a founding member of Mars Hill Methodist Church, active member of First Baptist Church in Raleigh and until his health declined, was a proud member of the John Hiott Sunday School class.

Bill served on numerous boards and organizations in his life time including- NC Board of Elections Association, VFW, N.C. Economic Development Organization, Board of Directors of First Citizens Bank, First Union and Northwestern Banks, Civic clubs, MAHEC Advisory Board and Land of Sky Regional Council.

In 1989, when Bill moved to Raleigh to be near his son and family, he met Barbara Warne Chalmers. They were married on February 23, 1991. Of all Bill’s accomplishments, he is most proud and thankful for his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his son Paul and Daughter-in-Law, Carmen, daughter Claudia Chalmers Hinson and her husband Bobby, and son, Scott Chalmers and his wife Rhonda; the love of his life are his grandchildren, Will Powell, age 24, Abby and Hannah Hinson, age 7 and Christian Chalmers, age 9; and we cannot forget his “shadow” Oreo- the dog who was always by his side!

He will also be missed by his brother, George and his wife Lee of Vero Beach, FL, sister, Sharon Johnson of W. Palm Beach, FL; and also by a number of nieces, nephews and dear friends from the past and present.

Bill was a dedicated Tar Heel fan and especially loved Tar Heel Basketball!

Bill was loved and respected by all who knew him.

The family will receive friends from 7:00 – 9:00 pm on Monday April 12, at Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh. Funeral services will follow on Tuesday April 13, at 2:00 pm in the funeral home chapel. Burial with military honors will take place following the service at Raleigh Memorial Park.

A very special thanks to those who showed so much love and concern through Bill’s long fight and a special thank you to our dear friend and neighbor Cheryl Wheeler.

Donation may be made to First Baptist Church of Raleigh, Endowment Fund; SPCA of Wake County; or Hospice of Wake County.

Condolences to the family can be made at www.MitchellatRMP.com.