Andrew Jefferson Powell, Jr.

Andrew “Andy” Jefferson Powell, Jr., devoted husband, caring father, beloved grandfather, and loyal friend to many, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family in Raleigh, North Carolina on April 8, 2021.

Although Andy made his home in the Carolinas for more than 60 years, he never lost his love for his native Alabama. Andy was born in Birmingham, Alabama on October 12, 1936 to the late Mary Vann Powell and the late Andrew Jefferson Powell, Sr.

Upon graduation from Woodlawn High School in 1955, Andy enrolled in Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama where he served as a house manager for his fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha. Andy took a break from his studies to serve his country for two years in the United States Navy. He then returned to Auburn to complete his degree, where he met his wife Elizabeth Ann Gentry of Greenville, Alabama. They married in 1958, and Andy earned his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management in 1961.

Andy achieved much to be proud of in his life. He was an Eagle Scout; he served honorably in the United States Navy; he was the first member of his family to attend college; he had a distinguished professional career; and he had a beautiful wife and loving family. He was an exceptional man, whose life embodied the qualities of faith, patriotism, and loyalty.

Andy accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in 1948 at Woodlawn Baptist Church in Birmingham. Alabama. His faith played an integral role throughout his life. In Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, and North Carolina, Andy was an active and dedicated member in his church communities. In addition to being elected a Deacon, he also served on numerous committees, including building, finance and fundraising to name a few.

During his military service, Andy traveled the world working on a target drone practice assignment. The Navy selected Andy to attend target drone school in Mexico because he indicated on his paperwork that he loved to build and fly model airplanes. This childhood hobby inspired him to choose the Navy Air. While serving, he was assigned to active duty on an aircraft carrier, the USS Ticonderoga CVA41, as well as a battleship, a cruiser, and several destroyers.

After graduating from the Executive Program at the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, Andy enjoyed a successful career in the textile and furniture industries. From 1961 to 1978, he held various engineering and corporate positions with Burlington Industries, including overseeing the project management of two manufacturing facilities in the Republic of Ireland. He then initiated the Industrial Engineering program for the firm of M. Lowenstein and Company and served as Vice President and Director of Corporate Industrial Engineering and Services. In 1989, Andy became an officer of Berkline LLC, a furniture manufacturer in Morristown, Tennessee. He served as Senior Vice President of Manufacturing and Manufacturing Services until he retired in 1998 at the age of 62.

Andy participated in many professional and alumni organizations. He was Co-Founder and President of the Textile Industrial Engineering Council. In addition, he was a member of the American Institute of Industrial Engineers and President of the Association of Textile Industrial Engineers, and many other civic organizations and clubs. A lifetime member of the Auburn University Alumni Association, he took great pride in serving on the Auburn University Engineering Advisory Council and the Clemson University Industrial Engineering Advisory Council.

In 1998, Andy retired to Wilmington, North Carolina, where he was an active member of the Wells Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church. While in Wilmington, he was also a member of the Investors Roundtable and a mentor in the Cameron Executive Program at UNC-Wilmington.

Retirement brought Andy more time to spend on his hobbies. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing, boating, hunting, and playing golf. Andy relished time spent on the water, having owned homes on Lake Norman, Lake Lure, Kiawah Island, and the Cape Fear River. He felt most at home in nature, surrounded by the beauty of God's wonderous creations.

In addition to these pursuits, Andy had a great reverence for history - a passion he passed down to his family. He enjoyed collecting everything from antiques to coins to decoys and surrounded himself with his acquisitions. Among his many other hobbies and interests, Andy appreciated fine art, traveling, sports cars, and vintage scrimshaws, knives, and clocks. But above all, he was devoted to his family.

Andy cherished spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was proud of the family he and Ann raised and all that they accomplished. Many of his most treasured experiences were spent with his six grandchildren, teaching them life’s lessons. In his retirement years, he enjoyed reconnecting with fraternity brothers and the many friends he made through the years. He also cherished his time with his loyal and faithful Brittany Spaniel, Captain Splash, who brought Andy many years of joy and happiness.

Several years ago, Andy and Ann moved from Wilmington to Raleigh to be closer to their family. He valued the time he spent with family, creating new memories, and celebrating momentous occasions. At the time of his passing, Andy resided at The Cardinal at North Hills. He attended Trinity Baptist Church, where he was a member of the Bobbie Furr Sunday School Class.

He was predeceased by his parents, Mary Vann Powell and Andrew Jefferson Powell, Sr., a sister Gena Friday, and a brother who passed away shortly after birth, Richard Powell.

Andy is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 62 years, Elizabeth Ann Gentry Powell and by daughters Dawn Elizabeth Powell Lowder and husband Henry Ingold Lowder, Jr. of Raleigh, and Dianne Powell Reardon and husband Michael Edward Reardon of Raleigh, and a son, Andrew Jefferson Powell III of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He is also survived by six grandchildren who affectionately called him “Grand D”: Elizabeth Ann Lowder of Mountain Brook, Alabama; William Collins Lowder of Raleigh; Andrew Jefferson Powell IV and wife Emily of Monroe; Ashley Ann Powell of Lakewood, Colorado; Meredith Ann Powell and husband Zachary of Auburn, Alabama; and John Anthony Jones of Mt. Airy. He is also survived by nieces Kristi Friday of Birmingham, Alabama; and Jill Prince and husband Barry and children, Mary Reid and Lucy of Trussville, Alabama. Other survivors include his sister-in-law Ginger Cicatiello and husband Frank and children Lauren Cicatiello, Jamie Cicatiello, Rocky Cicatiello and wife Jessica, and children Sydney, Ava, Rocco; and Holly Collins and husband Jason, and children Michael and Will of Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

In addition to the members of his family, Andy will be remembered by a multitude of good friends who also enjoyed his wit, his empathy, his generosity, and his charm. Andy’s journey on earth may be complete, but his legacy will be carried forward by all of those who were granted the extraordinary gifts of his guidance and friendship. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.

The family would like to thank and acknowledge Grace Mwaura, Transitions Life Care and the caregivers at Homewerks Home Care for their excellent care.

Due to Coronavirus, a private family service will be held to celebrate Andy's life at Trinity Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Trinity Baptist Church, 4815 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27609; Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607; or to the charity of one’s choice.

Services by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary’s Street, Raleigh, North Carolina.