Ben W. Powell Jr.

BEN W. POWELL JR.

WHITEVILLE -- Benjamin Wright Powell Jr., 82, died Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009, at Davis Health Care Center in Wilmington.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Gayle Wells Powell; two sons, Benjamin Wright Powell III and wife, Harriet of Johns Creek, Ga., and William Grayson Powell Sr. and wife, Darlene of Wilmington. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Margaret (Meg) Elizabeth Powell, Sarah Grayson Powell Bateman and husband, Adam Bateman, Benjamin Wright Powell IV, William Grayson Powell Jr., Charles Aiken Powell, and Elsie Margaux Barnes Powell.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and caregiver whose support was unwavering.

Mr. Powell was the son of the late Benjamin Wright Powell, Sr. and Lucille Pickett Powell and was preceded in death by sister Jerry Lucille "Pet" Powell and brother Paul Edwin Powell. He is survived by a sister, Margaret Powell McNeill of Whiteville.

Mr. Powell, who operated Whiteville Motor Company in downtown Whiteville, was in the car business for 63 years after returning to Whiteville in 1945 to join his father in the business. He was a respected Whiteville businessman and long-time supporter of local civic causes and projects. He was president of the Greater Whiteville Chamber of Commerce in 1973 and was honored by the chamber with a lifetime membership in 2008. He was an active member and deacon in Whiteville First Baptist Church. He will especially be remembered for the sage advice delivered to his many visitors over the years at his Whiteville Motor Company office.

The funeral service will be held at Whiteville First Baptist Church on Wednesday, January 14 at 2:30 p.m. The family will receive friends in the First Baptist Church fellowship hall from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 412 N. Madison Street, Whiteville, NC 28472.

McKenzie Mortuary, Whiteville.

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