Russell Vasco Powell, Jr., 64, gently and peacefully passed away Saturday, April 23, 2016 in the Adult Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at Duke University Hospital, surrounded by his family and supported by nurses and staff who cared for him and loved him during the past year. A service of remembrance and celebration of his life will be held at 2:00PM, Saturday, April 30, 2016 at First Christian Church, 207 Tarboro St NE, Wilson. Officiated by the Rev. Gary Walling, a time of fellowship and visitation will follow the services.

Russ graduated from Fike High School in 1969, with classmates who have remained close and supportive to each other throughout the decades. He graduated from Appalachian State University with a business degree. He was proud, grateful, and joyful to work for Braswell Foods in Nashville for 38 years where he had been Vice President - Feed Division. He was a lifelong member of First Christian Church, serving in the past as deacon, committee chair, Board Vice Chair and Board Chair. Professionally, he was active in the Southeastern Grain & Feed Association, Carolina Feed Industry Association, North Carolina Poultry Federation, and served on boards for a number of years.

Russ was a good man, and everyone who knew him in any capacity loved and respected him. Tributes from those who knew him: "greatest guy to work with"; "greatest laugh that made everyone in the office smile"; "always had a smile and a hug"; "best boss"; "great guy"; "always cheered me up"; "gentle, kind, funny, caring"; "kind, smart, funny, loving family man"; "one fine gentleman, there aren't many like him out there"; "always so nice". His family especially cherishes his gift of laughter. He had a quick sense of humor, loved telling stories, saw humor in large and small life events, and laughed out loud every day along with anyone around him at the time. He made friends easily, and those friendships were steadfast and long-lasting.

Russ is survived by his wife of 40 years, Myra Johnson Powell; two sons, Jonathan Windom Powell and wife, Dena of Westfield, Indiana, and Blake Arthur Powell and wife, Lauren of Wilson; one daughter, Lane Powell and Ryan Voss of Las Vegas, Nevada; two grandchildren, Parker Mackenzie Powell of Indiana and Brayden Alexander Powell of Wilson; three cousin/siblings, Sandra H. Benton of Raleigh, John E. Horne and wife Lisa of Lexington, and Jane H. Brinson and husband, Lloyd of Wilson; his sisters- and brother-in-law, Sterling and Beverly J. Quick of Spotsylvania, Virginia and Sharon J. Bartholomew of Warrenton; his mother-in-law, Emily W. Johnson of Warrenton; his aunt, Ruby Narron of Kenly, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his adored dog, Jeffrey.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents, Russell V. Powell, Sr. and Ann Narron Powell, and his sister, Sue Narron Powell, all of Wilson.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in his memory to First Christian Church, PO Box 2702, Wilson North Carolina 27894 earmarked for Project Faith to help Adult Bone Marrow Transplant patients and caregivers at Duke University Hospital.

Condolences may be directed to www.joyners.net.

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.