Visitation

May 5, 2025
4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Service

May 7, 2025
2 p.m.

Committal

May 7, 2025
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 Sheriffs 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. Sputs 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 Countys 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 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

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I am at a loss for words today. Even though we din't talk often as we once did I think of you and Barbra about every time I get on my motorcycle. I think of the rides we took to great places. The fun the four of us had every time we were together. I told the story tonight about when we drove the bus to a Boiling Springs football game. You convinced the security guard that I was famous. She insisted that you take our picture with her Camera' lol. I think Katie still talks to Chris some also. The younger people stay in touch better. I will forever have a hole in my heart for your loss. but I know that you will be there to show mw all the best riding, Love you brother' and I know that you are riding on the streets of gold.

—Eric Brown
—Karen
Blue Candle

I didn't know your husband, but I can see that he was a child of God, thought of highly, just a good man. I am praying for you, and your family. God Bless 🙌 🙏

—Debbie Rhoney

Sput is a great man. His family, community and world have suffered an enormous loss. However, heaven got a little sweeter.

—Bill and Lisa Baker

sput was not only a wonder man but a wonderful friend. he went out of his way to help others even if they didnt ask for help. He always found out WHO needed help. He will be missed by so many people. Sending hugs and prayers to all hs family...

—Joy Boone

Thank you Sput for caring for Hillcrest and all you have done for the community, but most of all thank you for the godly example you have been to all. May you continue your work in heaven as God gives you your new assignment. Psalm 116:15 ESV [15] Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. May God strengthen Barbara and the family.

—Debbie Dockery

We are extremely sorry for your loss. Chris, our son, Leighton called this morning to inform us and to request that we remember your family in prayer. That is done. Reading of Mr. Powell’s faith in Jesus Christ gives us comfort, as I’m sure it does for the family, friends and associates. May his service to Christ and his community be remembered as you honor the life of this great man.

—David Harris
Blue Candle

—Lori Meadows
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—cynthia k barrier

As Jonathan and I became wildcat family 3 years ago. We were immediately welcomed by Chris' entire family! Sput and Barbara were visible all of the time for events and family things supporting their own children and the other children/students in their lives!! Sput, I will also be eternally grateful for the Fire fighting knowledge and inspiration you given our son. Lifelong skills! Barbara, Chris, Becky and the rest of the Powell family. YOU WILL CONTINUE TO BE IN OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS!! He will be your guardian angel through the festivities and lifelong adventures you will seek! He was proud of you and that showed in his actions!!! WE ARE HERE FOR YOU! & WE LOVE YOU ALL! LOVE., the Winkler Family!

—Susan and Jonathan Winkler