Flora Funeral Service Obituary: Carl Elbert “Jake” Powell

Carl Elbert “Jake” Powell, age 80 of Henry goes to meet Jesus our Savior on Sunday, May 12, 2019. He was born May 21, 1938 to parents Carl C. and Bessie Lee Powell. He was also preceded in death by his baby brother, Lowell Thomas; daughter-in-law, Lois Powell; brother-in-law, Bethel Mason, Marvin and Russell Woods; and his in-laws, Charlie and Mattie Woods. He leaves behind for now his wife of 60 years (voice of reason), Jean Powell; sons, Randy “Moe” and Bruce “Mingo” Powell; grandchildren, who he though the sun rose and set on, Brandon Powell (Ashley), Stephanie Cunningham (Jason), Brandon Webb and Susan Webb; then his little ball team of great-grandchildren, Hunter, Bryce “Dynomite”, Aiden, Kyndel Bell, Bronx and Brooke; many wonderful nephews, nieces, and cousins who he all loved dearly; sisters, Geneva Mason, Gloria Young (Marvin); brothers, Norman (Linda), Dean (Celie); brother-in-law, Billy Woods (Carol); and sister-in-law, Essie Wilson. Elbert who worked in the furniture industry as his father led a confident and simple life but with many rewards in life. He was taught the love of God by his parents and great values to live by. Hard work, be truthful, respect, love and give whole heartedly. He lived all those by example. God worked this plan thru him. Elbert loved baseball, children and family. He believed he could work these values through teaching on a baseball field. For 60 years he did so. He thru other friends and families organized community centers, ballfields and leagues throughout the county and worked with the state so that children and families could have such opportunities and grow these fundamentals of life. He did so, and what an Achievement. He was inducted into the Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007. He was so honored and humbled, thanked all friends and families for doing that for him. In his mind and words though he said his greatest achievement in life besides his own family was seeing a child and parents face light up with happiness knowing he and others worked so hard for to give that opportunity and values set forth to do so. That filling of giving and love was the highest award of all. That’s Gods work thru his hands. He will be missed by all tremendously. If you want to see him, come out to the baseball games, you’ll see him still in every smile. Funeral services will be conducted from Flora Funeral Chapel 11 a.m. Wednesday with Rev. J.D. Harmon officiating. Interment will follow in the Cooper Family Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Franklin County Baseball, Inc., P.O. Box 995, Rocky Mount, Virginia 24151. His family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.