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.
Sput and I had many wonderful times together playing at grandma and grandpa Stewart’s house growing up. I am glad we also got to get with many times at football games when we older even though we lived in a different state. He was always supportive of Chris and Becky and their careers. He will be greatly missed.
He was my buddy. He loved Jesus, his family and his community. If anyone ever had a true servant’s heart it was Sput. He enjoyed nothing more than service to others. Whether in Oak Hill, Burke County or in Haiti - Sput only asked “ What can I do to help”. If we all just tried to be a little more like Sput, this world would be a much better place to live. For now my buddy I say so long- I look forward to someday seeing you on the other shore.

Love & prayers


Family I am so sorry for your loss. In I worked at Broughton when he was Chief for Broughton. A very kind Man he was. I know he will be missed. May God comfort your broken Hearts. Terry Moses

I will miss you my friend!

Your family is in out thoughts and prayers

A few days ago my daughter and I had a discussion about Rex and something he was selling. I told her how I knew him, as he worked for the Sheriff’s department during some of the years I worked for the County. We are sorry for your loss; I do believe he is heaven’s gain. Prayers for you and all family members and the Oak Hill community.