David Wright Powell

David Wright Powell, 75, of Matthews, passed away on March 19, 2025, following a courageous battle with kidney and lung disease. Born on July 12, 1949, in Anderson, South Carolina, he was the son of the late Joe and Margaret Powell of Anderson, SC.
David dedicated his career to the golf industry, spending 25 years as an assistant superintendent before becoming the superintendent at Myers Park Country Club. During his tenure, he oversaw numerous renovations on the Rees Jones-designed course, an experience he cherished, particularly his collaboration with the renowned golf course architect. His admiration for Jones was profound, and their work together was a highlight of his professional life.
Beyond his contributions to course management, David was a true golf historian. His encyclopedic knowledge of the sport was unmatched, there was no question about golf he could not answer. He was also an exceptional player, maintaining a scratch handicap and competing in over 300 amateur tournaments across the United States and abroad. His passion for the game was evident in every aspect of his life.
David's achievements extended beyond local tournaments. He was a proud member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), where he held several leadership positions. In 1988 and 1989, he won a GCSAA coveted trophy (winning 3 different years) earning the honor of representing the United States in an international tournament at St. Andrews, Scotland. Competing against teams from around the world, including defending champions Canada, the U.S. placed third behind Scotland and Germany. He was later invited to another international tournament in Ipswich, England, where the competition was fierce. In 1994, David was selected among top professionals in the field to contribute to the construction of a natural turf field for Hong Kong Stadium, further solidifying his legacy in golf course management.
Recognized for his expertise, David was featured in Sports Illustrated in the Who's Who section, a testament to his influence and impact on the sport.
Outside of golf, David was a devoted Clemson fan and an IPTAY member. His talents extended beyond the fairways-he was a self-taught pianist and guitarist. During high school, he and his friends formed a band, recording a track in Atlanta with dreams of becoming the next Beatles. His love for music, combined with his infectious laughter and gift for storytelling, made him a joy to be around. To know him was to be welcomed with warmth, wit, and an endless collection of stories.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Kidney Fund or Peanut's Place Rescue (), a nonprofit organization dedicated to animal welfare.
The family invites all who knew David to share their memories and stories, celebrating a life well-lived and a man well-loved.
David is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Powell, son Brad Brown, daughter-in-law Claudine and grandson Chase along with his faithful furry family, MacAllen and Cassity. Also surviving is one cousin, Herman Powell and wife Dorothy, of Houston, Texas.
A memorial service will be held at 1:30pm Friday, March 28, 2025, in the chapel at Hankins and Whittington Funeral Service, 1111 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203. A private burial will take place at a later date.
Online condolences may be made at www.HankinsandWhittington.com.