Arthur Martin Powell, Jr.

Arthur Martin Powell Jr., known to many as Art, passed away on December 21, 2025, at Novant Hospital in Huntersville, North Carolina. He was born on September 12, 1947, in Carthage, North Carolina, to the late Arthur Martin Powell Sr. and Estelle Blue Maultsby Powell.

Art grew up in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and graduated from Pine Forest High School. Immediately following high school, he proudly served in the United States Navy, where he was stationed in San Diego, California, before returning home to Fayetteville. After his military service, he attended Fayetteville Technical College.

A gifted and well-known vocalist, Art shared his musical talents throughout the region. He sang with many popular local bands and was often called upon to stand in for larger bands on special occasions. Music remained a constant and meaningful part of his life.

Art spent much of his working life in the poultry industry, including employment with Perdue Farms and House of Raeford Poultry, as well as work with other poultry operations in the area.

Art lived for several years at Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, where his faith became especially important to him. He attended First Baptist Church and sang in the contemporary Baptist service, developing a deep love for learning about the Gospel. In later years, he made his home in Huntersville, North Carolina.

He is survived by his daughter, Ashley Canelon of Savannah, Georgia; his son, Joseph Powell (Lacey) of Atlanta, Georgia; and his grandson, Ernie Canelon. He is also survived by his brother, Clifford Powell, of the home, and his sister and brother-in-law, Marian Wright and Bo Burch of Wilmington, North Carolina.

Art was a devoted uncle who cherished his nieces and nephews: Ally Wright Hopkins (husband, Edward James Hopkins) and Abigail Wright (partner, Essence Bullock), both of Wrightsville Beach; Trisha Short Childers, Christy Powell O’Connell, Martin Powell, and Candi Powell, all of Charlotte, North Carolina; and Aaliyah Wright Lewis and Alijah Thompson of Wilmington, North Carolina.

A private family gathering will be held at Wrightsville Beach in May.

Art will be remembered for his musical gift, his service to his country, his growing faith, and the meaningful connections he shared with family and friends.

Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Arthur Martin Powell, Jr.