Charles Herbert Powell expired May 6, 2014 at Clifford Chester Sims State Veterans Home in Springfield, Florida, just shy of his 92nd birthday. Charles was born in Birmingham, Alabama on May 10, 1922 to Thomas Carl and Lurlene King Powell. He attended school in Birmingham and at age 20 was inducted into the U.S. Army Air Corp. He was in the Air Force from 1942 to 1945, fighting in WWII as a nose-gunner in a B-24 Liberator in the European Theater. He was the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal and the Purple Heart among others. Upon discharge from the service, he was employed with Civil Service at Tyndall AFB as the Ground Vehicle Maintenance Officer in the 4756th Transportation Squadron. He retired in 1979 after 38 years of service.

Charles lived in the St. Andrews area from 1950 to 2000, where he raised his family. He was a devoted husband and father. He was an outstanding carpenter, building two homes himself in his lifetime. One he even built in his retirement years in his favorite area, the Smokey Mountains. Charles was also known by family and friends as someone who could repair anything from vehicles to lawn mowers, washers, toasters, etc., and he kept the neighborhood "running".

Charles was predeceased by his parents; brother, King Powell; sister, Ann Hall; wife of 52 years, Margaret Watkins Powell in 2000; and a daughter, Teresa Marie Powell in 2004. Charles is survived by his daughter, Tamis Johnson and husband Kelly of Panama City and son, Thomas Powell and wife Brenda of Toccoa, GA.

The family will receive friends Monday, May 12th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Wilson Funeral Home. Services will be Tuesday, May 13th at 3:00 p.m. at the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. J. Michael Bryan, Chaplain with Covenant Hospice, officiating. Interment with military honors offered by the U.S. Air Force will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all the wonderful folks at Clifford Chester Sims State Veterans Home for all the loving care they gave Charlie over the past three years. He was truly a member of their family as well, and it showed in their devotion to him. They all approached him with a big hug and a "Roll Tide, Charlie", which stemmed from his love of the Alabama football team.

Those wishing to honor Charles could do so by volunteering at Sims or honoring our veterans in some way, or making a donation to Covenant Hospice of Panama City.