October 11, 1932 ~ May 18, 2021 (age 88)
Robert “Doodle” Lee Powell, Sr, age 88, of Delco, died Tuesday morning, May 18, 2021 at the Lower Cape Fear Life Center in Wilmington. Robert was born in Columbus County on October 11, 1932 to the late Jesse Thomas Powell and Bessie Lee Reaves Powell. In addition to his parents, Robert is preceded in death by a brother; William Powell, three sisters; Kathlene Avant, Beulah Mae Simmons, and Addie Virginia Bennett, a daughter; Gloria Ann Brown and his first wife; Martha Powell.
He served his country in the United States Army as a Corporal during the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. Robert received a Combat Action Ribbon; the Navy Commendation Medal for Combat; the Vietnam Service Medal with 4 bronze stars; the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon and the Vietnam Armed Forces Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross & Palm). He re-enlisted and served in the United States Coast Guard, serving as a Chief Petty Officer while stationed at Wrightsville Beach.
He returned home to work as a farmer on his own farm. Robert was a member of Prosper Baptist Church.
Robert is survived by his wife; Helen Cruse Powell of Delco, NC, a daughter; Madeline Darlene P. Carroll (Terry) of Delco, three sons; Robert “Bobby” Lee Powell, Jr (Bonita) and Timothy Brian Powell both of Delco, and William Dean Powell (Sarah) of Leland, Grandchildren; Allison, Walter, Jonathan, Tyler, Zackary, Ashley and Lee, and Great Grandchildren; Grae and Jameson.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 22, 2021, at 4 pm at Prosper Baptist Church, Delco, with the Rev. Eddy Watts and Rev. Matthew Griffin officiating. Burial, with Military Honors, will be in the Benevolence Cemetery, Hwy. 131, Western Prong Rd., Whiteville, NC. The family will receive friends from 3:00 – 3:45pm prior to the service at the church.
McKenzie Mortuary is serving the family.
