Jerry Ronald Powell

WADESBORO - On Monday, November 24, 2025, Mr. Jerry Ronald Powell, age 82, passed away peacefully at McWhorter Hospice House in Monroe, NC.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM, Friday, November 28, 2025, in the Chapel of Leavitt Funeral Home with Mr. Ken Caulder officiating. Interment will follow in Anson Memorial Park.

The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Friday.

Jerry was born on May 23, 1943, in Wadesboro NC, and was the son of the late John Frank Powell and Johnsie Raye Powell. In his earlier years he proudly served in the US Army where he was stationed in Germany. When he returned to the states, he worked various jobs throughout his lifetime in the textile business, store attendant, and was even Smokey the Bear one year when he worked for the Forestry Service.

He is survived by his children, Darlene “Sally” Watkins (Larry) of Peachland, Eric Powell of Wadesboro, Terressa Powell of Wadesboro, and their Mother Maggie Powell of Wadesboro; his grandchildren, April Watkins, Nathan Powell, Joseph Powell, Kaila Driggers, Memphis Culbreath, Kyler Prevatte, Johnsie Culbreth, Bradley Canter, and Hali Canter; and his great-grandchildren, Phoenix, Shaun, Ozzie, Oliver, and Melinda. Also surviving is his sister Edna Hill of Ansonville, and many beloved nieces and nephews, especially his niece Gail “Jenabee” Chavis, whom he adored and was more like a little sister to him.

He is also survived by many long-time friends, whom he always treasured, Junior and Nancy, Jimmy, Jackie, Carol, his Army buddy Roger Zwieg, his caretaker Jackie, and many more friends that cared for him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter Melinda Canter, his sisters Shirley Carpenter, Faye Lisenby, and brothers Buck Powell and Bobby Powell.

One of his hobbies was raising chickens. He loved hatching them, watching them grow, and naming them. I hope “Big Earl” and his dog “Pearl” made it to heaven to greet him. His other hobby was Christmas decorating. Every year he had the biggest, best and brightest decorations, and the day after Christmas he was already planning next year’s tree. He loved to see the children’s eyes light up when they saw his magical decorations.

His true passion in life was music, and he was a well-known local musician and song writer. One of his songs “Old Memories” was recorded by the Burrito Deluxe band on their Georgia Peach album, and he had other artists that also recorded songs that he wrote throughout the years. He loved to sing and dance for many people over the years, whether it be on a stage, at a church, for his family, or at the local nursing home with his sister-in-law Rosalee. His family takes comfort in knowing his body is now fully restored and he was able to once again dance, sing and shout his way right into heaven to be with his Lord and his loved ones on the other side.

The arrangements are in care of Leavitt Funeral Home and online condolences may be made at www.leavittfh.com