Jerry Powell
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Jerry Ronald Powell passed away peacefully on August 5, 2022, in his home in South Carolina, surrounded by family. Jerry was born in 1942 in Berea, Kentucky to Glyndon and Georgia Johnson Powell (predeceased.) His adventurous spirit led him to travel to nearly all 50 states and abroad. This lifelong passion navigated his career choices, including his service in the Air Force as a young man and his many entrepreneurial pursuits in Western Auto Stores and dry-cleaning businesses. Later in life, he drove cross country with JB Hunt Trucking, became a water taxi driver at Lake Cumberland in early retirement, and a local driver testing Michelin tires in Greenville, South Carolina. His recent battle with cancer was the only reason to hit the brakes on his passion for the road. Jerry was best known for his quick wit and knack for brightening the days of everyone who crossed his path. His humor and kindness are greatly missed by his many friends and family, including his loving wife of 46 years, Carole Powell, his son, David Whisman (predeceased), his daughter and son-in-law Sara and Terrance Gogins, and his five grandsons, Damien, Devon, Gabriel, Kai, and Micah. Jerry is survived by his sister, Betty Sue Powell Croucher, sister-in-law Donna Royse, his nieces and nephews, Carrie Vargas and Brian Abney, and Mark and Elizabeth Royse. At his request, a private service will be held and his ashes spread at a special place on the beaches of North Carolina.