Rex “Sput” Powell

Rex “Sput” Powell, 67, of Morganton, NC passed away Thursday, May 1, 2025. Born on August 18, 1957, he was the son of the late Ivey Powell and Mae Powell Maloney. Sput earned an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Western Piedmont Community College in 1996 and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Lees-McRae College in 1999. Before his law enforcement career, Sput served two years in the United States Army. He began his distinguished law enforcement career in 1989 with the Burke County Sheriff's Office. After a decade of dedicated service, he was appointed Chief of Police at Broughton Hospital in May 2002, a role he held until his retirement in 2012. Demonstrating his continued commitment to public safety, he returned to active duty as a part-time school resource officer from 2023 to 2024. Sput’s dedication extended far beyond policing. He was an active volunteer firefighter and first responder with Oak Hill Fire and Rescue following his retirement and served as a current board member. He began his fire service journey as a volunteer with the West End Fire Department and later became Assistant Chief at Oak Hill Fire Department. He was also a charter member of Burke County Search and Rescue and was honored as Burke County's First Responder of the Year in 2023. Additionally, he was a charter member of the Blue Knights MC XXIII.

His commitment to community and faith was evident through his active membership at El Bethel Baptist Church, where he served with the Medical Mission Team and Baptist Men. He was also involved with Gideons International and served on the board of Hearts Hands and Hope for Haiti. Sput contributed to youth development as a former football coach at Oak Hill Elementary and played a key role in establishing what is now known as the Oak Hill Recreation Foundation. He continued to support youth athletics through his love for Draughn Wildcat football and softball, which he attended at every available opportunity. Sput Powell’s life was marked by unwavering service, leadership, and compassion. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.

Yet, while his many professional and civic achievements may be impressive, they were not the centerpiece of his life. If you asked Sput what he was most proud of, we are certain that he would say it was his wife, children and grandchildren, but most importantly his relationship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Sput is survived by his wife of nearly 42 years, Barbara Lingafelt Powell of the home; children, Becky Powell of Morganton, Chris Powell (Taylor) of Hickory, and Nichole Tetreault (Brian) of Morganton; grandchildren, Cloe, Rhylin, Peyton, Landyn, Bentley, and Lyncoln; sister-in-law, Nancy Powell of Morganton; numerous beloved nieces, nephews, a large extended family, and many others he considered as his “kids,” which he loved dearly.

In addition to his parents, Sput was preceded in death by his brother, Levi; and sisters, Barbara and Katie.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday, May 5, 2025 at El Bethel Baptist Church. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, May 7, 2025 in the church with the Rev. Justin Cunningham officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Honors will be provided by the Oak Hill Fire Rescue Department, Burke County Sheriff’s Office, Burke County EMS, and the Broughton Police Department.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to support causes close to Sput’s heart, Hearts, Hands, & Hope for Haiti, c/o Rick Coffey, PO Box 1045, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 or El Bethel Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 2518, Morganton, NC 28680.

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