Warner Baxter Powell

Warner Baxter Powell, 89 went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 7, 2022. A native of Nash County, he was the son of the late William Sydney Powell and Ora Carter Powell. A funeral service will be held Saturday, August 20, 2022, at 11:00 am at Aversboro Road Baptist Church in Garner. There will be a visitation at 10:00 prior to the service and burial will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park. Warner is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary Leigh Powell, son Jon S. Powell (Joia), daughter Leilani Stephenson (Duane), 5 grandchildren, Megan (Aaron), Tyler (Tanya), Spencer(Alex), Clayton(Sabrina), Ben(Savannah) and 9 great grandchildren Maddox, Sutton, Devin, Brittany, Leila, Lucy, Ari, Paisleigh and Reece. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Timothy Powell; sister, Colleen Hall, and brothers John and Dickie Powell. Warner graduated from Spring Hope High School in 1951 where he met the love of his life, Mary Leigh Brantley and married in 1954. He served in the US Navy for 4 years during the Korean War. After discharging from the Navy, he attended East Carolina College and graduated in 1958 with a BA in business. He was employed by NC Dept. of Transportation as the State Utility Agent where he retired in 1985. Upon moving to Garner in 1969 he fell in love with the community and became active in many areas. He was a mentor for the youth as he served as an assistant baseball coach in the Little League for many years and as president of the league. He also was involved in the Pop Warner Football program as team manager. Warner was an active member of Garner Civitan Club for over 50 years where he served in many capacities, including President and Lt. Governor. His service knew no limits as he drove the Garner Town Bus and the Methodist Church Bus to take senior citizens on trips. He provided a Food Wagon for the Chamber Golf Tournaments and worked with the homeless ministry to give aid to the people in the woods. Due to his many community contributions, he was the recipient of the James Stevens Award in 1996. After retirement from DOT he opened a Custom Picture Framing Shop in his home where he served people for 32 years. When he wasn't working in the shop, he was on the golf course or riding his motorcycle with his buddies. His ready smile and easy-going disposition made him a delight to be around. Warner was known for his generosity. He loved helping people and making them smile. He lived by the Golden Rule. He was especially known for giving out gold dollars to children, waitresses or just anyone who looked like they needed a kind hand. But most of all, his family was his heart. He loved having his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren around him and they shared many adventures together. Beloved by family and friends, he will be sorely missed. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Transitions Life Care, 250 Hospice Cir., Raleigh, NC 27607 or Garner Civitan Club, PO Box 205, Garner, NC 27529. Arrangements are by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home in Garner.