Thompson "Thompie" Powell

Thompson "Thompie" Powell, 86, of West View Street, Valdese, NC died Saturday, May 17, 2008 at Autumn Care of Drexel, NC following a period of declining health. Born in Burke County, NC on October 6, 1921, he was the son of the late Owens Bascom Powell and Nannie Cooper Powell.He was a US Navy veteran of WWII. Thompie was a member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church which later became Christ United Methodist Church. He had owned and operated PAL Oil company which operated service stations in Burke and Catawba Counties. He also operated Tri-County Grill on Hwy 18 South in Catawba County. He loved auto racing and flea markets. Thompie was a jack of all trades.Mr. Powell is survived by his wife, Martha Kincaid Powell of the home; a grandson, Byron L. Powell of Oak Island, NC; a granddaughter, Amy Powell of Albuquerque, NM; a brother, John H. Powell and wife, Liliane, of Conover, NC; sisters, Odessa Clark of Drexel, Ermine Abee of Brunswick, GA, and Rebecca Dalmas of Rutherford College, NC; and a number of nieces and nephews.In addition to his parents, Thompie was preceded in death by his son, Fil Powell; brothers, J.B. and Charles Powell; and sisters, Myrtle Williams and Anita Fowler.The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 20, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Curran Welch officiating. Burial will follow in Drexel Memorial Park with military graveside honors to be performed by Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Christ United Methodist Church, P.O. Drawer 38, Drexel, NC 28619.