Category: 1997

Graham Pollock Powell, 47, died on December 2, 2022 in Charleston, SC. He is survived by his parents, Clarine and Rob Powell of Greenville, NC, his grandmother, Catherine Gant Powell of Greenville, NC, brother Bert Powell and wife Peyton of Greenville, NC, brother John Powell and wife Davy of Charleston, SC, sister Catherine Powell Box and husband Jason of Swarthmore, PA, cousin Riddick Lynch of Charleston, SC, three nephews, Jackson, Gibbon and Bill Powell of Greenville and a niece, Caroline Powell of Charleston, SC. Graham had a large extended family and many friends who loved him and were loved by him.

Graham was a graduate of Rose High School in Greenville, NC, Davidson College, and the University of South Carolina School of Law. He was recognized by his peers early in his law career as a Rising Star and later as a Super Lawyer while practicing as a Partner in the law firm of Wall, Templeton and Haldrup specializing in construction litigation. Graham was the immediate Past President of the South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys Association and made significant contributions to his profession. His disdain for rules, exceptional argumentative skills and passion for helping those who needed it most made him the quintessential attorney.

Graham had an adventurous spirit and his love of travel took him to Scotland, Australia, Spain, the Czech Republic, and several other destinations around the globe. While he would typically recruit and encourage others to go wherever he was going, he never minded going out on his own. Graham loved skiing and boating with friends. He was quick-witted, very funny and a spirited storyteller. Graham was creative and enjoyed finding special ways to surprise his nephews. He loved music, whether that meant jamming on his fiddle, crafting the perfect playlist, or best of all, attending a live show. Widespread Panic, Phish, Jack White and U2 were among the highlights. Graham had a sharp intellect and a newfound passion for writing. He detested conformity. One of the most important relationships in his life was with his loyal canine companion – Airlie. They spent 18 wonderful years together and enjoyed regular swims at Folly Beach. Graham was kind. He used all of his gifts to show up in big ways with big gestures. Lovingly referred to as the Mighty Mighty GP, Graham was big. His love was big.

A service to celebrate his life will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 2:30 PM, Sunday, December 18 followed by a reception. A gathering for a time of remembrance will be held in Charleston, SC on Wednesday, December 28 at a time and place to be announced. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Junior Appalachian Musicians (www.jamkids.org/GrahamPowell) or the charity of your choice.

Ryan James Patterson, 44, died on June 24, 2019. He was surrounded by family members who will admire, love and miss him always. Ryan was born on November 8, 1974, in East Point, Georgia to the late James and Patricia Patterson. Ryan graduated from The Galloway School in Atlanta, Georgia in 1993, and Davidson College in 1997 where he met his wife, Ann.

He channeled and embodied Davidson’s Honor Code and remained an ardent fan of the Davidson Wildcats throughout his life. Ryan and Ann married in 1999 and enjoyed a loving partnership for 20 years.

Ryan loved his career, beginning at Wachovia Securities, then The Duke Endowment where he studied for and earned the CFA designation, and the last 11 years at Global Endowment Management. Ryan joined GEM in 2007 in GEM’s infancy. He relished in the precise, exacting nature of his job and its day-to-day challenges. He was known for calm efficiency and expert problem-solving. He rose to become Chief Investment Operations Officer. He also dearly loved everyone he worked with and looked forward to going to work.

Ryan picked up golf in childhood and would enjoy watching it and playing it for the rest of his life. He was elated to play Augusta National earlier this year. He also loved airlines, airplanes and transportation logistics. He liked spending time at the airport; both traveling and watching planes take off and land.

He was a weather aficionado who routinely supplied upcoming weather information to family and neighbors. He loved an old-school print newspaper and subscribed to and read three different newspapers all of his adult life. To close friends, he was also known for his impeccable taste in film and music.

Despite his many varied interests, Ryan was most dedicated to his family. He was a devoted husband, a fun, proud and loving father who savored his daughters’ company and acts of kindness. Ryan took active involvement in his daughters’ many interests and talents, and helped develop them into compassionate, resilient young women. He was also a caring older brother, a loyal grandson, an amazing uncle and a dear friend to many.

His family and friends remember with tremendous admiration the indomitable spirit, infectious smile and unwavering courage Ryan showed during his journey with Glioblastoma.

Ryan is survived by his wife Ann, two daughters, Amelia and Dorothy, two grandmothers, Jeanne Patterson and Dora Mae Peter, two brothers Kyle (Rebecca) and Todd (Shenna) and five nephews, Eli, Miles, Reid, Finn and Theo Patterson.

He is also survived by stepfamily members, including his late mother’s husband, David Roessner, and his late father’s wife, Dayle Betlock, and step siblings, Jennifer Strautman and Marc Betlock.

Ryan wanted to thank the many caring doctors and healthcare professionals who held his hand as he walked this path over the last two years, Dr. Allan Friedman, Dr. Katherine Peters, Dr. Justin Favaro, and Dr. Rahul Karamchandani.

A celebration of Ryan’s life will be held Sunday, June 30, at 1:30PM at Avondale Presbyterian Church, 2821 Park Road.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center.

Published in Charlotte Observer on June 27, 2019

Sara Harris Hutchinson, 43, of Charlotte, beloved wife of Wen and devoted mother to Cameron, Wills, and Sara, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, February 19, 2018.

She was born on December 30, 1974, the daughter of Deborah Small Harris and John William Harris II. She graduated from Charlotte Latin School and Davidson College and had a deep love for both of her alma maters.

Affectionately known and nicknamed “Sunny,” she was a beam of light from the day she was born. Her radiant and magnetic personality drew people to her and put smiles on their faces. Sunny, at her core, was a connector of people, effortlessly engaging individuals, regardless of their age or life circumstances. Her deep generosity of spirit was contagious, and her life was defined by caring for and loving others. Sunny was devoted to her family and friends with unconditional love.

Those closest to her describe her as vibrant, generous, inclusive, compassionate, trustworthy, loyal and thoughtful. Her guiding and enduring faith in God gave her strength and made every day a joyful adventure.

A true love story, Sunny and Wen met sixteen years ago in Atlanta. Because of their mutual adoration and respect, their relationship has been an inspiration to all. Sunny and Wen rarely left one another’s side. Her greatest joy was being with her family, no matter what the activity.

Sunny was a faithful and adoring mother, whether cheering for her children on the sidelines or spending time snuggled on the couch together at home. She was a loving daughter and sister, cherished her relationship with her parents and siblings, and was a fiercely loyal friend to all.

Sunny loved life, living it to the fullest every day and imparting her sunshine to all those around. She loved music, dancing, travel, golf tournaments, Panthers’ games, and back porch conversations. She was a servant leader and a quiet motivator among her circle of friends as well as her community that she loved so dearly. To know her was a gift and to have been loved by Sunny was a blessing.

In addition to her parents, Sunny is survived by her husband, William Owens Lewis Hutchinson, “Wen”; children, Cameron, Wills, and Sara; sister, Winslow Morrison Harris, “Windy”; brother, John William Harris III, “Johno” and his wife, Anna Dings Harris; father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Roseberry Hutchinson; brothers-in-law, John Guiher Hutchinson (Kaki), James Kay Thomas Payne (Deidra), Andrew Allemong Payne (Mary); as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 23, 2018 at 11:00 am, at Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte with Rev. Joe Clifford and Rev. Leighton Ford officiating. Family will receive friends following the service in Oxford Hall.

Those who wish may make memorials to the The Levine Children’s Hospital c/o Carolina Healthcare Foundation or Charlotte Latin School.

Condolences may be offered at www.harryandbryantfuneralhome.com.

He passed away October 9, 2003.