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 Powells 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 Sheriffs Office, Burke County EMS, and the Broughton Police Department.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to support causes close to Sputs 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.
Visitation
May 5, 2025
4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
El Bethel Baptist Church
Service
May 7, 2025
2 p.m.
El Bethel Baptist Church
Committal
May 7, 2025
El Bethel Baptist Church
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Rex Sput Powell.
Beautiful human. I will miss our talks at school.
Sput was truly one of the best people I have known since coming to Morganton 35 years ago. He had a true servant's heart and was friend to many. I am fortunate to have known him and ridden and served with him in the Blue Knights. He was a big supporter of Southmountain Children and Family Services and we will all miss him greatly. Our prayers go out to Barbara and all their family. Well down Brother. Now ride easy and Rest in Peace.
I am so glad I got meet SPUT and his WIFE. I will keep the family in MY PRAYERS.
I just wanted to express how sorry I am for your loss. I am praying for your family and sending lots of love. I also want to thank your family for taking my grandchildren under your wing and doing everything that y’all have done for my grandsons. We love you and we’re here if you need anything.
You will be missed dearly you were another hero to me especially after daddy died and the time I had to have a feeding tube you told my mom and dad what store to go to and to put whatever I needed on your account that is going beyond what you have to do and I love uncle sput see you again on another day
Barbara, Becky, Chris and fiancé, Nicole, Chloe, and Ryland. I want you to have my deepest condolence and sympathy. Know that I am praying for all of you as you go through this difficult time. Sput was a wonderful man. He was always there for anyone that needed help, for the people in Haiti, for anyone in the Oak Hill community that ever called for a first responder or needed a firefighter. None of his works will go unnoticed, even though he was the top person that would never say what all he had done for others. He was truly a servant of the Lord.
I loved working with Chief Powell all of those years at Broughton, up on the hill, as us folk who have worked at Broughton for a long time say. I met him in the early 2000's when I first started working there and always noticed how loved he was in the Broughton community, as he was a hard worker and central figure there in his role. I have worked with his daughter Becky for a long time and my heart goes out to her and his wife and family for their loss. He will surely be greatly missed.
To the Powell family, our deepest condolences. We are heartbroken and very sorry for your loss. He was a good man and wonderful human being. Love and prayers, Tom and Gail
Earth’s loss is Heaven’s gain! My heart is saddened for all of us who knew Sput! May God wrap HIS ARMS OF COMFORT AND LOVE around you and give you peace! Love and prayers to all!