August 22, 2023, 86, Rocky Mount —

February 15, 1937 – August 22, 2023 (age 86)

Major Oliver Curtis Powell, 86 of Rocky Mount passed away on August 22, 2023, at home. Curtis was born in Edgecombe County on February 15, 1937, to Oliver Pervis and Carrie Andrews Powell.  He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved his family and his West Edgecombe community. He loved telling stories and had a wonderful smile for everyone.

After graduation from West Edgecombe High School, he entered the Air Force. He served as an Air Traffic Controller until Officer Candidate School. He then served with communications with the Atlas Missile Silo System and then with communications with Strategic Air Command. While stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, he joined the Military Amateur Radio Society (MARS).  He was instrumental in forming an amateur radio club in Goldsboro, Rocky Mount and Wilson.

After retirement Curtis moved back to Rocky Mount and earned several Associate Degrees, and a BA in Business, and a BS in Accounting from NC Wesleyan.  He became certified as an EMT and Paramedic and worked as a volunteer. He was a beekeeper. As such he was a member and officer of the Coastal Plain Beekeepers Association. He continued the family’s 100-year tradition of growing sorghum and making molasses which he gave away. He raised and sold truck crops which included okra, corn, sweet potatoes, peas, and flowers. These were sold within the community and to several grocery stores.

Curtis is preceded in death by both his parents, brothers Noah Andrews Roberson and William Henry Roberson, sister Eva Louise Reed, and son Kevin Skott Powell.  He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Frances Farrall Powell, children Susanna Warner, Kenneth Powell (Kim), Sindy Taylor, stepson Jeffrey Bunch, six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Military honors and interment services were held at the Powell Family Cemetery, Powell Road, Rocky Mount.