Elton Alfred Powell, Jr, known affectionately as “Al” and “Pop,” went to his everlasting home with the Lord on Tuesday, September 22, 2020. A longtime resident of Irmo, SC, Al spent 71 wonderful years on this earth.

Mr. Powell was born in Salisbury, MD on January 29, 1949. While he thoroughly enjoyed roaming the countryside of Maryland, he decided to enlist in the Navy upon graduating from Wicomico High School in 1967. After spending nearly 3 years in the Navy, he began a successful career at Ford Motor Credit where he worked for over 30 years. This career is what brought him here to South Carolina.

Al’s big personality and big heart drew so many people to him. If he didn’t draw you in with those, then he was sure to engage you with one of his many stories (whether you had already heard it ten times or not). He loved the Carolina Gamecocks and Atlanta Braves and stayed a loyal fan no matter how frustrated he became with them.

His love of sports, however, was nothing compared to the love he had for his family. Debbie Powell was the love of his life and together they celebrated 40 years of marriage. Throughout their marriage, they created a lifetime of memories and their love brought Travis Ryder Powell, Sr. into this world. Raising a son like Travis was one of Al’s biggest accomplishments in life. One of his biggest pleasures, however, was getting to spend time with his only grandchild, Travis Ryder Powell, Jr. Ryder may have been Pop’s little buddy, but Pop was the whole world to Ryder.

Al is survived by his loving wife, Debbie Powell of Irmo, SC; son, Travis Ryder Powell, Sr. and his wife Jenny of Lexington, SC and grandchild, Travis Ryder Powell, Jr.; a sister, Bonnie (Ralph) Seaton of Willards, MD; two brothers, Ted (Lynne) Powell and Joe Powell of Delmar, MD; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father, Elton Alfred Powell, Sr., and his mother, Mary Leonard Powell.

There will be a memorial gathering held at Saluda Shoals Park at 10 AM on Saturday, September 26, 2020. Visitors are encouraged to dress comfortably and casually as Al would have wanted.

Arrangements are being made with Barr-Price Funeral Home in Lexington, SC.