Dean Lee Powell

Dean Lee Powell, 57, passed away on Monday, February 6, 2012 at UNC Medical Center Chapel Hill. He was born April 10, 1954, the son of the late Richard Francis Powell Jr. and Dolores Roselle Powell. Dean was also preceded in death by his brother, Richard Francis Powell III. Dean attended Juilliard School of Music. Throughout his professional career as a musician, copyist, composer, and arranger, he worked with many famous recording artists such as Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Gerry Mulligan, Stevie Wonder, and Bette Midler. He traveled the world over with these artists and even accompanied Bob Hope on one of his Christmas Tours. He was also an opening act for Bruce Springsteen. Dean was a master guitarist who taught countless students to play. He wrote and arranged hundreds of national commercial jingles and movie scores. He loved the water. He swam daily, owned different boats and even built several crafts over the years. His artistry extended to sketching, watercolor and oil painting. He was a devoted husband, brother, uncle, and friend. Dean was a member of Gloryland Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Jo-Ann Craig; sister, Kimberley R. Powell Ladue and her husband, Lee of Raleigh, NC; sister-in-law, Claire Powell of Durham, NH; nieces, Brooke and Jillian Marshall, Sara Powell; and a nephew, Richard Powell.

Memorial services will be held 6:00 p.m. Friday, February 10, 2012 at Coble Ward-Smith Funeral Service, Oleander Chapel with Pastor Marty Campo officiating.

The family will receive friends on Friday, February 10, 2012 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to SECU Family House, 123 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27517.

“The song is ended but the melody lingers on”

The staff at Coble Ward-Smith Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Dean Lee Powell.