Mr. Melvin Claire Powers, 62, of 611 Elmwood Court, Wake Forest, N.C., was born in Alexandria, Va., on December 21, 1959. He was the son of the late Charles William Powers and Cora Lee Shuford Powers. He departed this life on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at White Oak Manor of Burlington, N.C., following a lengthy illness.

He was a 1978 graduate of Statesville High School in Statesville, N.C. He furthered his education at Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory, N.C., and also Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C. He served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged. Prior to his disability, he was employed by Choanoke Area Development Agency as a deputy director.

He leaves to cherish the memory his wife, Gail L. Powers of the home; his daughters, Jacqueline Yvonne Powers of Greensboro and Melanie Denise Powers of Wake Forest; his grandson, Lake Powers of Greensboro; his brother, Carl Powers of Statesville; his sister, Sheena (Eugene) Jones of Mocksville; several cousins, including Stephanie Connor, Kacina Meadows and Laura Thompson; and a host of other relatives, neighbors, and friends.

Mr. Powers will be interned in the National Cemetery in Salisbury, N.C., with full military honors. Date and time of the service will be announced soon.

Please keep the family in your prayers.

Rutledge and Bigham Mortuary Inc. is serving the Powers family.