Frank Powell - In Memoriam

Carl Franklin “Frank” Powell Sr., 67, Wilmington, passed away suddenly at his residence on Friday, Oct. 2. Powell was the former owner of 16 Annabelle’s Restaurant’s throughout the South, including Wilmington, and was the current owner of The Fire and Spice Gourmet shop at the Cotton Exchange.

Powell was born in Wake County, N.C. on Dec. 9, 1941, to the late Carl Betts Powell and Emma Gray Jones Powell, who still resides in Wilmington. He was a devoted member and elder of the First Christian Church where he served in numerous capacities most recently as trustee and chairman of the hospitality committee. Surviving in addition to his mother are his wife of 46 years Phyllis Scotton Powell; son Carl Franklin Powell Jr. and wife Stephanie of Flowery Branch, Ga.; daughters Kimberly Powell Pierce and husband David of Hallsboro; Linda Powell Reinger and husband Bill of Wilmington; sister Jean DeHart and husband Harry of Macon, Ga.; brother Vernon Powell and wife Andrea of Greensboro and six grandchildren, Elizabeth, Jorja, Jacob, Troy, Brock and Noah.

A memorial service was held at the First Christian Church on Oct. 5, Dr. Lance Perry and Reverend Alisa Gonzalez officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to The First Christian Church, 2035 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC 28403.

I have the shop directly across from Frank and when I first opened he was so helpful in showing me around and helping in any way he could. Frank never seemed to have a “bad mood day” he was always so cheerful, everyone in the area went to Frank when we needed a tool we did not have, borrow the vacuum, needed the thermostat adjusted, etc. He will surely be missed more than he would have ever believed.

- Ella Yager, Paws, Claws, and More

Frank was the first merchant I met at The Cotton Exchange in the fall of 2004, being across the hall from me in the pod. We immediately connected on lots of levels, our collective love of gardening, cooking, and just having a fun time, among many. I loved Frank’s sense of humor and he could tell a great story. We were on different sides of the fence politically but that never interfered in our friendship. He had done many types of jobs and had lots of experience that I benefited from, having little retail background. Frank always had a positive outlook on life, and was a lot of fun to be around on a slow chilly February afternoon at The Cotton Exchange. I will miss my good friend tremendously and am tremendously richer for having known him.

- Jill Brophy, Revolution 9

Frank dedicated many volunteer hours as President of the Merchants Association. He was always willing to offer his help in decorating and enhancing the Cotton Exchange. He had a wealth of business knowledge and I could always count on him for advice or simply to listen to an idea. My last contact with him exemplified this helpfulness. On Thursday, the 1st there was a little sparrow on the courtyard walk that just needed some help to start flying again. I saw Frank and he came out and picked the little guy up and it flew, but right into the trash can. We joked while we had our hands in the trash to rescue the sparrow, that anyone passing by might think business was really bad for us merchants when we resort to digging in the trash! Mike and I will miss him. Our condolences to his family are heartfelt.

- Joan and Mike Loch, Crescent Moon