Edwin Dennis “Denny” Powell, 78, of Drexel, passed away on Sunday June 8, 2025 at UNC Health Blue Ridge, after a period of declining health.
Denny was born September 29, 1946 in Burke County, a son of the late Nuvart Wilson and Hazel Cuthbertson Powell.
Denny retired from Broughton Hospital as a welder and before going to Broughton, he worked in the family business, Powell’s Welding and he also taught welding at WPCC for 15 years. He enjoyed going to car races but he loved driving them more. He mostly raced on dirt tracks but in 1969, he was Rookie of the Year at Hickory Motor Speedway.
Denny was a past master of Lovelady Lodge No. 670 in Valdese, a member of Oasis Shrine Timple, East Burke Shrine Club, and Mimosa Chapter No. 269 Order of the Eastern Star. He devoted many hours to Masonic and Shrine activities, one of them being the annual Shriner’s Paper Sale, raising funds for the Crippled Children’s Hospital in Greenville, S.C. He was so proud to be a Mason and Shriner.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Nancy Milhollen and a brother, Ronnie Powell.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 57 years, Gail Bennett Powell of the home, sons Brian, Stevie (Jessica), and Frankie (Marsha). He is also survived by 2 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, brothers, Donnie (Carolyn), Rodney (Pam), and a very special nephew, Mike (Scarlett).
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 1:00 PM in the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Service with Rev. Brad Browing officiating. Entombment will follow at Burke Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, prior to the service from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Service.
Donations may be made to The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford at 600 College St., Oxford, NC 27565.
Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory in Valdese is assisting the family.