Donald Powell died on February 8, 2023, in Savannah, GA, where he had lived with his wife Phyllis Powell for thirty years. He was 88. His children John and Nancy were at his side.

He was born on February 7, 1935 in Manhattan, NY. Donald grew up throughout New York, New Jersey, and Greenwich, CT and graduated from Memorial High School in Pelham, NY in 1953. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Colgate University in 1957, where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity and the Pi Delta Epsilon honors society for excellence in journalism. He entered the U.S. Navy following his graduation, where he served as Lieutenant JG aboard the USS Holder primarily in the Middle East. Following his honorable discharge, he received his MBA from Harvard University in 1963. During his time in Boston, he met Phyllis Murray Powell, his wife of 57 years.

Donald entered his career at Exxon International as the eastern hemisphere manager for marine sales. During this time, he traveled the world extensively, which fueled a lifelong love of travel and exploring and appreciating other cultures. He later became President of Butterworth Systems, Inc. in New Jersey. In 1983, he relocated to Greensboro, NC and worked for Gilbarco Inc. until his retirement in 1993. While in Greensboro, Donald and Phyllis were benefactors of the Eastern Music Festival. Upon retiring, Donald and Phyllis moved to Savannah, GA, where they were active with the Savannah Music Festival and the Telfair Museum. He was an avid photographer, usually seen toting a camera, and took pride in creating highly coveted Christmas cards and celebratory calendars featuring coastal bird life. Donald was a beloved member of his community and treasured deeply by the friends he made during his years in Savannah. Donald and Phyllis enjoyed nothing more than traveling the world and spending time with family.

Donald was predeceased by his wife Phyllis, brothers Harrington “Duke” Drake and John Powell, and sister Nancy Ander. He is survived by his son John Powell and wife Regina of Texas and daughter Nancy Powell-Ferri of Connecticut. He was the devoted grandfather to five grandchildren: Catherine Ferri, Caroline Ferri, Alexandra Ferri, Regina Powell, and James Powell, as well as several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Carole Pollock of Pooler, GA. Donations in Donald’s memory can be made to the Ogeechee Audubon Society at https://www.ogeecheeaudubon.org.