Mr. Larry Wayne Powell, 84, of Valdese, passed away on Sunday December 31, 2023, at the residence of his daughter with his loving family by his side. Wayne was born on March 8, 1939, in Burke County, a son of the late Phifer and Edith Deal Powell. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great- grandfather and friend to all who knew him. He loved to fish, keep everyone’s lawnmowers running and ride his special golf cart with his friend Reba Page at the car show on Friday night. He retired from National Water Works and was a Specialist Welder. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Clara Smith Powell, a son Ricky Wayne Powell, a son-in-law, Ralph Merrell, a granddaughter, Jennifer Merrell, brothers, Roy, Bud, Chuck, Ray, J.P., Willie, and Hut Powell, sisters, Evelyn Orders, Norma Hice, Wilma Dean, and Mildred Abernathy. Surviving, are, his daughter, Pamela Powell Merrell of Valdese, special friend and Reba Page of Valdese. Also surviving are the loves of his life, his grandchildren, Erick Powell, Adam Powell, Gabriel Powell , great-grandson, Tyler Merrell and a number of nieces and nephews . Funeral Services for Larry Wayne Powell will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday January 3, 2024 in the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Service with Rev. Lonnie Brown officiating. Entombment will follow in the Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 2:00 P.M. Wednesday at Heritage Funeral Service, Valdese and at other times at the home of his daughter, Pamela Merrell, 2924 High Peak Rd., Valdese, NC 28690. Memorials may be made to South Mountain Children’s Home, 7330 Myrtle Burke Dr., Nebo, NC 28761. An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com.
He was the sweetest man! I will miss seeing his smiling face at the Drs office. He always made sure to wave or speak to me when he came in. Prayers for you all!
I always looked forward to seeing Uncle Wayne at family reunions. He was always the life of the party.
May peace and loving memories surround the family.
Wayne was one of the best men I knew. Great as a neighbor and friend for so many years. Growing up around Rick and Pam and getting to know him and his beautiful wife, He was someone to look up to for the way the treated everyone. Bless all the Family!
Wayne was such a sweet, caring man.
I will miss him and all history of Drexel and the people that lived there
Visited Wayne and Clara many times. He loved to talk about the Powell history which we both were interested in. They both were always welcoming and kind. Rest in peace Wayne.