Mr. Edgar (Ed) Ernest Powell, III

Edgar (Ed) Ernest Powell III passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at the age of 72 following a recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his loving wife, Cathy Essex Powell of Lowgap, NC, his son, Robby Powell, his wife Jan and his grandsons, Jake and Steven Powell of Cary, NC, his son Hanes Powell of Charlotte, NC, and his brother, Bob Powell and his wife Cindy of Greenville, SC. and their children and grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his father, Edgar Powell in 1984 and his mother, Billie Powell in 2014.
Ed was born on January 2, 1943 in Winston-Salem, NC to Billie and Edgar Powell, Jr. of Clemmons, NC and later of Lowgap, NC. Ed graduated from Southwest Forsyth High School in 1961, and North Carolina State University in 1965 majoring in Physics and Math. On June 8, 1963, Ed married his high school sweetheart, Cathy Essex. After a short time in New Orleans, Louisiana working as a geophysicist, the family moved back to North Carolina eventually residing on family land in Lowgap, NC. Ed retired after working at Quality Mills and Renfro first as a Plant Manager and later as a Systems Analyst. Retirement, however, didn't slow Ed down in the least! In 2001, Ed and Cathy started a blueberry farm. His laser focus assured their farm's success. Time spent in their field harvesting, packaging, baking and selling their berries at farmers markets brought Ed immense joy. He also enjoyed the friends he made at the market.
Ed had varied hobbies and interests over time including woodworking, amateur radio and technology in general, banjo playing, hiking, cycling and listening to bluegrass music. He also loved relaxing on their home's front porch after a hard day's work. Ed's greatest love was that for his wife and his family. Married for 52 years, Ed and Cathy cared for one another deeply and were one another's best friend. He cherished his time spent with Cathy and his family. He was most proud of his children, Robby and Hanes and his grandchildren. His enormous love for them was always apparent whenever he spent time with them. A service honoring Ed's life will be held at Grace Moravian Church, 1401 N. Main St. Mount Airy on Saturday, September 26th at 1pm. Services will be conducted by Rev. Charles Fishel and Rev. Judy Knopf. The family will receive friends following the service in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Mountain Valley Hospice at 945 Zephyr Road, Dobson, NC 27107. The family would like to thank all of Ed's caregivers for their kindness and helpfulness.

Memorial