Robert “Bob” Jackson Powell, Jr. ’42

Robert “Bob” Jackson Powell, Jr. ’42, of Washington, N.C., was born in Whiteville, N.C., on Jan. 14, 1921, and died Sept. 9. Powell was preceded in death by his parents, Robert J. and Elizabeth Toon Powell, and a sister, Elizabeth Powell Moore. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Catherine Gant Powell, 122 Fairway Dr., Washington, NC 27889; sons, Robert J. Powell III ’69 (Clarine), Roger Powell ’71 (Anne), and Ronald Powell ’76 (Amy); daughter, Catherine Powell; 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandsons. He attended Davidson and UNC Chapel Hill, enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, and joined the 1st Marine Division in the Pacific. He served as the commander of the recon company for the 1st Marine Division, where he saw action at New Britain, Peleliu, and Okinawa, and the occupational forces in China. He earned the U.S. Navy Commendation with the Valor device, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart. In Fayetteville, he was an active member of Holy Trinity Church and held leadership positions in the Diocese of East Carolina. In Washington, he was a member of First Presbyterian Church and served as an elder there. He was a forceful and active man and avid sportsman. He was a member of the North State Game Club, and he raced his sailboats from Long Island to Bermuda to Wilmington to Nassau. He was known for his exceptional and active mental capacity, spending recent years in research and writing. He was interested in and actively supported Barium Springs Home for Children and the Boys and Girls Club of Beaufort County.