Everett C. Powell

1924 - 2017

Everett C. Powell, 92, died peacefully in his sleep on July 11, 2017, after a brief illness. Everett was born in Independence, Oregon, on August 25, 1924, and moved to Canton, North Carolina, as a young child. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1942 and fought in World War II as an Infantry Rifleman. After being wounded by shrapnel in 1944, he was captured by the Nazis and imprisoned in a camp in Neubrandenburg, Germany. His German captors fled upon the approach of the Russian army, allowing Everett and a fellow soldier to leave the camp, walking through German lines to be reunited with United States forces. He was awarded the Purple Heart, and after returning home he completed his business degree at the University of Tennessee.
Everett was preceded in death by his parents, Ira Hawley and Baye Robinson Powell. He is survived by his four children: Jan and her husband Pete Pelaez of Asheville, Mark and his wife Susan Powell of Mills River, Amy and her husband Dennis Goss of Chapel Hill, and Sue Coons of Columbus, Ohio; five grandchildren: Angela and her husband Patrick O'Kelley of Gerton, Christina and her husband Kevin White of Chapel Hill, Jay and his wife Mary Goss of Chapel Hill, and Ben and Joel Coons of Columbus, Ohio; as well as two great grandchildren: Mireya and Leila White of Chapel Hill.
Everett loved to fish and was an avid ballroom dancer. He closely followed Tennessee football and also cheered for the Tar Heels. He enjoyed eating ice cream and sharing his chocolate popsicles with the grandkids. He continued to work crossword puzzles up until his last days. Most of all he loved his family and was fiercely proud of them. He will be missed dearly.
The family would like to thank Charles George VA Medical Center, Aston Park Health Care Center, the ICU staff at Mission Hospital, and the John F. Keever,Jr.,Solace Center for their wonderful care of Everett. The family will hold a private service at a later time.
The family would appreciate donations being made to the Red Cross, P.O. Box 37839, Boone, IA 50037; or to a veteran association of choice.
An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.
Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.