Jerry Leon Powell, 69, of Balsam Grove, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, May 20, 2016, while surrounded by his loving family. A native of Transylvania County, Jerry was born July 28, 1946. He courageously battled Parkinson’s Disease for more than twelve years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fields L. and Hattie W. Powell; brothers, Billie Joe, Walter, Donald, and Keith Powell; father and mother-in-law, Ralph M. and Alma G. Owen; brothers-in-law, Joseph Gillespie and Cleamon Owen; sisters-in-law, Rosie Powell and Doris Powell; niece, Elizabeth Owen; and granddaughters, Tessa Grace and Tara Faith Powell.

He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Bernice O. Powell; daughter, Angela Owen and husband Todd of Balsam Grove; son, Cameron Powell and wife Misty of Balsam Grove; five wonderful grandchildren whom he loved dearly, Brett and Morgan Sisk, Lexy and Tyler Owen, and Tristin Powell; sister, Avarie Gillespie of Virginia Beach, VA; brothers, Pick Powell and wife Irene of Rosman, Stewart Powell of Rosman, Jimmie Powell of Rosman, Harry Powell and wife Carolyn of Rosman, Gerald Powell and wife Mary of Rosman; brothers-in-law, Gurlie Owen and wife Nancy of Brevard, Herbert Owen and wife Dorothy of Balsam Grove, Keith Owen and wife Sharon of Balsam Grove, Ken Owen and wife Lori of Balsam Grove; sisters-in-law, Oberia Porter and husband Carroll of Lilburn, GA, Diane Lewis and husband Don of Wake Forest, NC, Louise Koontz and Doris Owen of Balsam Grove, and Betty Powell of Brevard; and several nieces and nephews.

Jerry was a 1965 graduate of Rosman High School and loved attending his class reunions. He served in the Army from 1966-1968. After 34 years of service, Jerry retired from DuPont/Agfa when the plant closed. He was a member of Woods Memorial Baptist Church of Balsam Grove. He was an avid outdoorsman and thoroughly enjoyed hunting and fly-fishing. Jerry loved life, treasured friends and family, and lit up the world with his wonderful sense of humor.

The family received friends at Moody Connolly Funeral Home on Sunday, May 22, from 6:00-8:00 pm with the funeral service at Woods Memorial Baptist Church in Balsam Grove at 2:00 pm on Monday, May 23, 2016 with Devon Owen officiating followed by burial at Woods Cemetery.