Jerry W. Powell

Jerry Ward Powell
Greenville
Jerry Ward Powell passed away Friday morning, March 23, 2012 after complications from a stroke. He was born in Whiteville, North Carolina in 1935.
A memorial service will he held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Sunday, March 25, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. and the family will receive visitors following the service. A private internment will be held at Christ Episcopal Church in New Bern.
During his high school years, Jerry was employed by the Imperial Tobacco and Person Garrett Tobacco Companies. He was graduated from East Carolina University where he swam on ECU's first competitive swimming team. He spent two years serving in the United States Army at Fort Bliss, Texas where he was an instructor in the Nike Missile. After the Army, he joined the newly formed North Carolina National Bank as a member of the first management training group in Greensboro. He was graduated from the School of Banking of the South at Louisiana State University. His banking career took him to the home office of NCNB in Charlotte. He later opened the first branches of NCNB in the Research Triangle Park and in Wilson. In 1975, Jerry moved to Greenville as the City Executive. of NCNB. He enjoyed 36 years of banking in Greenville, especially his last ten years at Southern Bank. Jerry greatly valued the wonderful relationships he developed with his co-workers and customers.
Having grown up in a small supportive town, Jerry lived his life with a core belief of giving back to his community as exemplified by his involvement in civic organizations including the United Way, Chamber of Commerce, Salvation Army, Pitt Community College, Airport Commission and as past president of the ECU Alumni Association. He was member of the Pirate Club, and the University City Kiwanis Club. He also served on the board of the East Carolina Vocational Center. He was awarded Outstanding Citizen of the Year in 1981. Jerry was an active member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church where he served several terms on the Vestry.
In addition to being an avid runner, pilot, and lover of chocolate, Jerry's most treasured moments were spending time with friends and family at Atlantic Beach, and more recently in Banner Elk. His contagious grin and love of life will be greatly missed. He is predeceased by his parents, Flossie Ward Powell and Alonzo Carson Powell, twin infant sons, and a granddaughter, Caroline Nell Norwood.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Carolyn Peal Powell; a son, Gregory Peal Powell and wife, Tammy of Morehead City; and a daughter, Caroline Powell Norwood and husband, Michael, of New Bern; and grandchildren, Anna Powell, Meredith Powell, Alston Norwood and Grayson Norwood. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Jean Peal Crowell and husband, Rus of Fayetteville, brother-in-law Bill Scott of Burlington; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
The family will receive visitors on Saturday, March 24 at the home, 105 Williamsburg Drive.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 401 E. 4th St., Greenville, NC 27858.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the staff and care givers at Vidant Medical Center for their compassionate care during Jerry's illness.
Arrangements by Wilkerson Funeral Home and Crematory.
Online condolences at www.wilkersonfuneralhome.com