Bobby Powell

Robert Lee “Bobby” Powell, Jr. peacefully entered into eternal rest Wednesday, October 3, 2018, with his loving family by his side. Bobby was born May 1, 1936, in Halifax County to the late Robert Lee Powell and Jessie Harrell Powell. He graduated from William R. Davie High School, was an active member of Smith United Methodist Church and a charter member of Smith United Methodist Men.

He retired from Champion International Corporation with 39 years of service.

In addition to spending time with his family, he loved participating in service projects at church and the Men’s Club.  In his later years he was the official supervisor at all the men’s club stew sales.   He was affectionately called “Pop”, not only by his grandchildren, but also by the youth at Smith Church and many friends.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 61 years, Gwen Baird Powell; his children: Debra Pittman (John), Robert Powell III (Tina), Iris Kinnin (Paul), and Nina Swink (David) all of Roanoke Rapids; his grandchildren Paul Kinnin III, Lee Powell (Amanda), Josh Powell (Ashley), J.C. Pittman (Kayla), Stephanie Harrell (Ben), Lauren Bright (Ben), Kimberly Canady (Jeremy), and Jacob Swink (Elizabeth); his great-grandchildren Savanna Kinnin, Sadie and Colt Pittman, Jason Powell, Emerson Powell, Jackson Harrell, and Carter Lee Bright; his sisters Erma Hux, Anne Draper, Judy Smith, Louise Roach, his brother William Powell (Lynn) and many special nieces and nephews.

Services celebrating Bobby’s life will be held at 3:00pm, Saturday, October 6 ^th at Smith United Methodist Church Roanoke Rapids, NC with Rev. Gregg McGarvey and Rev. Johnny Branch officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00pm on Friday, October 5 ^th at Hockaday Funeral Home and other times at the home, 503 Pinecrest Avenue, Roanoke Rapids.

A special thank you to his long time caregivers Buck Hawkins, Ted Jackson, and Lynn Davis, each of whom had their own special relationship with Pop. Their love was evident in the kindness and dedication each of them showed to Pop over the last few years.

The family would also like to thank Halifax Home Health Hospice, Beverly Norman, and Christina Tabron for their kindness shown to our family over the last couple of weeks.

Online condolences may be left at hockadayfs.com.

Memorial donations may be made to Smith United Methodist Church or Smith United Methodist Men at 1216 Smith Church Road, Roanoke Rapids, NC  27870.

Arrangements are under the care of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service.