Paul Edwin "Eddie" Powell

PAUL EDWIN "EDDIE" POWELL always put others first and was often described as "the nicest man I ever met." His friendliness, positive personality, quick wit, a teasing manner, broad smile and warm hugs defined him. His legacy is an exemplary life of deep love for family and friends, a strong commitment to community and public service, and tireless supporter of North Little Rock. Paul Edwin "Eddie" Powell, 78, of North Little Rock, passed away peacefully at home in the loving arms of his family on September 11, 2019. He was born in Little Rock October 27, 1940, to Thelma Marie and Paul Raymond Powell of North Little Rock (both deceased). He is survived by his loving wife Margaret and they shared the happiest 23 years of their lives. The blessings of blending two large families made their lives complete. His greatest joy was being called PawPaw by 16 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Eddie is also survived by daughter Shannon (Tom) Smiatek of North Little Rock, grandchildren, Jarrod Smiatek and great-granddaughter Xaida Smiatek of Springdale, and Morgan Smiatek of North Little Rock; son Brent (Misty) Powell and grandchildren Gracie, Cy, Lydia, Alice and Amelia Powell of Birmingham, Ala. He is survived by additional beloved family members; Rex and Sandy Robbins, Megan Weatherford, Kelly Robbins and Mary Robbins; Aunt Mildred Chandler and Uncle Don Powell; 1st Cousins: Kevin Newsom, Kent Walker, Cheryl Rainey, Mitch Chandler, Elizabeth Mercer, Matt Chandler, Cyndy Taylor, Kriste Nunnally, Charles Keith Neaville, Veletta Hall, Brenda McDonald, David Ray, Karen Ferguson, Randa Ragan, Charles Tobey, Barbara Manson, and George Nuckolls. He leaves behind members of Margaret's family who loved him as their own: daughter Laura (David) Marsh and grandchildren Jordan, Alex, Wesley and David of Fayetteville; son Chris (Tiffany) Haas and grandchildren Maggie, Josh, Jake, Luke, and Ella Grace of Fayetteville; and daughter Jennifer Haas of Fayetteville. Her sisters and brother occupied a special place in his life: Dina (Jeff) Nash of Maumelle, Martha (Jim) Parks of Dallas, Becky (Trent) Felton of Marianna, and John Reynolds of Little Rock. He helped care for his Mother-in-law Dena Reynolds as if she were his own. His senior year, Eddie was elected Student Body President and named "Friendliest Boy" at North Little Rock High School where he graduated with the proud Class of 1958. He sang in a popular music group "The Starlights" (in iconic White Sports Coats and a Pink Carnation) and used his golden radio voice during high school and college as a part-time popular DJ on local radio stations KXLR, NLR and KVRC, Arkadelphia. One classmate wrote "You don't get to meet very many people in a lifetime as special as Eddie Powell. Everyone loved him. He will be sorely missed." He attended Henderson State University one year before transferring to the University of North Carolina to pursue a dream of becoming a military pilot. Disqualified due to his eyesight, he returned to Henderson to earn a BA degree in Psychology in 1962. In 2008, he was accepted into the Henderson Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame. After college, Eddie joined the U.S. Army as a Commissioned Officer in 1962, where he served with distinction for 3 years and was awarded an Army Commendation Medal. He resigned from active duty in 1965 to return to civilian life and was Honorably Discharged from the Reserves in 1972. He joined his family business and later became President of Jack Powell (Food Brokers) Company and raised his family. He was responsible for a substantial increase in retail growth between 1973-1995 and won numerous National and Regional Company of the Year awards. After 35 years in business, he retired in 1996. Alderman Powell took office on the NLR City Council in 1973. He served as Mayor from 1974-79 when fellow Council members appointed him acting mayor in June 1974, after Mayor Rosamond resigned. In a special election in September, he won the popular vote with a theme "This is Eddie Powell Country!" He was re-elected in the 1976 general election and resigned in 1979 to return to his full-time position at the Jack Powell Company. Among his many accomplishments, Mayor Powell led the city in developing innovative police and sanitation programs, attracted $8 million in HUD storm sewer drainage project funds, built 3 new fire stations, established the NLR Public Building Authority, built a U.S. Weather Station, led a drive to create bond issues to expand Memorial Hospital, built a major Pershing railroad underpass, established the NLR History Commission, the Advertising & Promotion Commission, and the Senior Citizens Commission. Eddie approached Mayor Hays in 2000 about building a senior center in North Little Rock to benefit the health and happiness of seniors. Mayor Hays appointed him Chairman of the Building Task Force, and he organized public forums to hear vital comments and suggestions from the community. He guided the process with a calmness when talking to people and leading the meetings that helped them feel comfortable that it was in good hands. He was appointed to the Senior Citizens Commission in 2002 prior to completion in 2003 of the first $5 million construction phase of the "gold standard" Patrick Henry Hays Senior Citizens Center. Due to the center's popularity, Powell also served as chairman of the $5 million expansion completed in 2007. In 2001, he was appointed to an interim committee that initiated the merger of the NLR and LR water utilities. He played an integral role in forming Central Arkansas Water (CAW) which now serves 450,000 people, became a charter commissioner and held many offices including commission chairman three time during his tenure. Civic involvement and honors include serving on the Boards of Youth Home, American Red Cross, Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Arkansas Repertory Theatre, VP North Little Rock Chamber, and being honored by NLR Boys and Girls Hall of Fame, NLR Senior Citizens Hall of Fame, and achieved 32nd Degree Mason with his Dad. He was actively involved at Lakewood Methodist as a lay speaker, Finance Committee Chair, Chairman of the Board, sang in the Chancel Choir and rang in the bell choir. He was a skillful snow skier and took pride in sharing his passion for skiing with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed scuba diving (instructor), water skiing, exercising at the Hays Center, became a Master Gardner and worked wonders in his own yard, studied classical piano at a young age and began composing piano music in later years. In retirement, he welcomed each new day early with a positive attitude, enjoyed a strong cup of coffee, read the paper, reviewed pre-opening stock market news, and made an energetic plan to accomplish the day's tasks. Top Gun was his favorite movie, and spending time with family made him the happiest. His memory will live forever in our hearts! Visitation is set for Friday, September 27, from 5-7 p.m. at Lakewood United Methodist Church, 1922 Topf Road in North Little Rock. A Memorial Service is at 2 p.m. Saturday, September 28 at Lakewood Methodist. Memorials are the best way to honor his memory: Lakewood United Methodist Church, the Thea Foundation (www.theafoundation.org), or the Hays Center Senior Citizens Outreach Services.