Obituary of Charles Wendell Powell

Charles Wendell Powell was born December 14, 1947, in Horry County, SC to Ansel Powell and Alene (Graham) Powell. He was the 8th of 9 children. Chuck, his mom and siblings moved to Portage, MI when he was 10 years old. He graduated from Portage Northern High School in 1966, becoming the first one in his family to graduate! After high school, he married Elaine (Heighton) Potgiesser. Less than 6 months later, he was being drafted into the service. He enlisted early so he could have his choice of jobs. He became a Crew Chief on Huey Helicopters, which also included being a door-gunner. His base in Vinh Long was one of the many that were invaded during the Tet Offensive. Chuck served 3 years in the U.S. Army, achieving the rank of SPC.5, and was a sharpshooter. He later graduated from KVCC with a Business Administration Degree. The best things in his life were his two daughters, Michelle & Cheri Powell and two grandsons, Elijah Merritt and Rayce Henagan. Chuck was such a good Papa, that he had been promoted as Great Grand-Daddy to Sage Marie Odenwald. Chuck had many great friends and enjoyed spending time in the country laughing and joking with the best of them. Chuck had a nickname for everyone. “Wanda the fish” was his dear neighbor who cooked many meals for him. Chuck was stubborn, and loved being at home. With the help of his sister Peggy Boyd, daughter Michelle Powell and earth angels Laura Corneail and Lisa Owens Lloyd, he stayed home and lived his way until the end. Chuck passed away peacefully September 23, 2021. Chuck was preceded in death by one sister, Lois Kuilema and four brothers, Tommy Powell, Martin Powell, James Powell, and Ralph Powell, and best buddy TP. He is survived by his three sisters, Betty Lehman, Paulah Nordahl and Peggy Boyd and a few nieces and nephews. In accordance with his wishes, there will be a ceremony at Fort Custer National Cemetery on October 29th at 1pm.