James Powell | Eastern NC Now

    James Emmett Powell Sr. stepped into the Arms of his Heavenly Father on Sunday, September 12, 2021 at Vidant Beaufort Hospital.

    A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM Thursday at First Church of Christ, 520 East 10th Street in Washington, NC. Emmett was born in Newport News, VA and grew up in Cradock, in Portsmouth, VA. He earned the Title of Eagle Scout (Troop 205) where he developed his lifelong love of camping.

    He was a Field Service Technician for NCR for 32 years where he was known as "Mr. Fixit" or "inkdober."

    He graduated from Cradock High School in 1956, and met his wife of over 61 years, Bonnie Creech Powell at the Ambassadors Club, where they loved to dance. Emmett and Bonnie were married on August 14, 1960. They lived in Chesapeake, VA and raised four children. Emmett was a volunteer fireman in Cradock, Highland Park, Academy Park and Brentwood, for over 25 years.

    He loved the Lord and was an Elder at Geneva Park Church of Christ in Chesapeake, for many years.

    In his retirement they moved to the Outer Banks where he served at Sonrise Church of Christ, Nags Head, NC. They moved to Washington, NC to be closer to grandchildren and Emmett was the leader of a Sunday Servants Team of greeters at First Church of Christ.

    He was predeceased by his parents, Presley C. Powell, Sr. and mother, Edna R. McCall, and his brother, Presley C. Powell, Jr.

    Left on earth to cherish his memory: His wife, of 61 years, Bonnie Creech Powell; daughter, Kimberly A. Fletcher; and three sons, James E. Powell Jr, (Becky), Timothy W. Powell, (Jennifer), Kenneth R. Powell (Joy); 13 grandchildren, Meagan Sulligan (George), Matthew Walker, (Monika), Jonathan Powell, (Brittany), Stephen Powell (Daniella), Kelsey Coletrain (Isaac), Katelyn Morris, (Jack), Cora Powell, Eli Powell, Isaiah Powell, Emma Powell, Casey Sadler (Trey), Mollie Powell, and Christopher Powell. They also have 8 great grandchildren, Maya Sulligan, Bonnie Sulligan, Carlee Sulligan, Sydney Walker, Felix Walker, Clara Coletrain, Jessa Powell, and Caleb Powell.

    Emmett was a board member of Roanoke Christian Service Camp and Beaufort County Law Enforcement Association (BCELOA) and worked tirelessly at the Gun range to keep it in good shape for the members.

    He leaves behind many friends and neighbors that loved him dearly.

    A visitation will be held directly after the service at First Church of Christ, and other times at their home.

    In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Roanoke Christian Service Camp, 389 Christian Service Camp Road, Washington, NC 27889. www.roanokechristiancamp.com

    Condolences may be addressed to the family online by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Powell family.