Charles “Pawpaw” Leonard Powell

Charles “Pawpaw” Leonard Powell, 76, of Morganton, NC, peacefully passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at his home after a period of declining health.

Born in Michigan on January 8, 1950, he was the son of the late Joe Mack Powell, Sr. and Lois Goff Powell.

Charles was a 1968 graduate of Salem High School, where he played basketball, football, and baseball. He served in the NC National Guard from 1972 until 1978. He began his own company, Modern Drywall, in 1972 and owned and operated it until his retirement. Following his retirement, the company passed on to his two sons, Travis and Ben. Ben is now the owner. Charles was an avid golfer, loved NASCAR (especially Fords), and playing cards with his friends who mostly knew him as Moose. He played football for Western Piedmont Community College and had a successful Modern Drywall softball team. Charles was a loving, dedicated family man who dearly loved his boys.

Those left to cherish his memory include high-school sweetheart and wife of 57 years, Kathy LeFevers Powell; son, Charles “Travis” Powell (Kim), and their son, Jack Mack Powell; son, Ben B. Powell (Angie), and their grandchildren, Luke, and Joshia.

In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by a brother, Joe Mack Powell, Jr.; and a sister, Shenna Powell Winkler.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, May 28, 2026 at Sossoman Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Burke County Friends for Animals.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.