Charles M. Powell

Charles M. Powell went home to his Heavenly Father on October 14, 2023 surrounded by his family. Charles was born March 12, 1930 to Leon Washington and Vera Holifield Powell. He married the love of his life, Vernell “Nell” Black Powell, and they had one son, Randy. Charles joined First Baptist Church Soso in 1948 and was an active member for 75 years. He served in the U. S. Army Signal Corps from 1953-1955. He received his training at Fort Gordon, Georgia and was honorable discharged in Alamogordo, New Mexico. He was also a member of the American Legion and served on the Soso Community Water Association Board for twenty-eight years. Charles worked many years as a Sunbeam Bread salesman and later worked for the Coca Cola Bottling Company for 31 years. Charles also served the Union Line Cemetery Association for many years and also served as a board member for many years. On Memorial Day, 2023, the Union Line Cemetery Association recognized him for twenty-eight years of outstanding dedication and loyal service (1995-2023). After retiring, he and his wife enjoyed camping and being a member of Chickasawhay Ramblers Camping Club. During their years together he and his wife visited all the contiguous states of the United States of America, Hawaii, Canada, and Mexico. Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Lee W. (Madie) Powell; mother, Vera Holifield Powell, the love of his life, Vernell Black Powell; beloved son, Charles Randall “Randy” Powell; and brother, Carroll W. Powell. He is survived by sister, Mona Ruth Rutledge, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many beloved friends he considered as family. Services will be held at Memory Chapel Funeral Home on Thursday, October 19, 2023. The family will receive visitors beginning at 10:00 a.m. and the service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Union Line Cemetery, Soso, MS. Dr. Jim Taylor and the Honorable Dal Williamson will officiate. Pallbearers will be Jeffery Bynum, Johnny Evans, Ronnie Powell, Jeffery Stewart, David Valentine, and Terry Don Valentine. Honorary pallbearers will be Union Line Cemetery Association Board Members, Ralph Graves Sunday School Class, Carroll Johnson, and Marshall Bynum. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Union Line Cemetery Association, 200 Jefcoat Road, Laurel, MS 39443 or First Baptist Church Soso Flags and Lighting Fund, P. O. Box 125, Soso, MS 39480. Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. To sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Charles M. Powell

March 12, 1930 - October 14, 2023