Max Adams Powell, born November 18, 1938 went to meet his Lord January 22, 2012. He attended New Bern High School, where he participated in many activities, including singing in a double quartet, being the drummer in a jazz band, playing baseball, and was a member of the New Bern High Band. He attended East Carolina University for one year, then served with the North Carolina National Guard, honorably.

After service to his country, he worked for WHIT, WRNB, and WCTI in the early sixties as a sports broadcaster and News Director. In 1967, Max and his family moved to Raleigh where he worked for WPTF AM and covered the State Legisalature. There he became President of the Capitol News Corps. He moved to WKIX AM, where he built and became the first News Director of that station. He then went to WTVD as a reporter, and after nine years became the News Director there. He worked for WNCN TV for one year, and then changed careers and moved into state government service, beginning with the NC Departmenbt of Transportation as Public Information Officer.

In 1984, he was promoted to Special Assistant to the Secretary of NCDOT. He continued his career in government with the NC Department of Insurance, where he served as Deputy Commisioner of Insurance for Eastern North Carolina until 2001 when he retired. Throughout his public career, he worked closely with, and became a great supporter of the North Carolina Highway Patrol and the NC State Bureau of Investigation. Max was also bestowed the rank of Major in the North Carolina State Defense Militia where he served until the unit was disbanded. His proudest moments were serving for the late William R. Roberson, Jr., the late James Long, Jr., and former Governor James B. Hunt, and coordinating all aspects of many inaugurations of Governors of both parties.

After retirement, Max moved to Swansboro, NC where he became actively involved in the Swansboro Fire Department and attained the rank of Fire Chief. He served the Swansboro area willingly and lovingly until he developed major health issues and retired in 2005. He and his wife moved to Louisburg, NC to be closer to their children and grandchildren. His involvement with emergency personnel throughout the Eastern part of North Carolina is known to many as he had a great love and respect for those who serve bravely to help others in times of disaster.

Max leaves behind a wife of over 50 years, Judy Maultsby Powell of Louisburg, NC, a son Jefferey Adams Powell and fiancee' Kathryn Renee Taylor of Central, SC, a daughter Kimberly P. Thomas and son-in-law William Bruce Thomas of Youngsville, NC, five grandchildren, brother-in-law Terry Maultsby and wife Ann of Raleigh, NC, a sister-in-law Martha Sasser and husband Douglas, and adopted children Dan and Billie Whitehurst of Williamston, NC, and special friend Denise Owens. Max was predeceased by his parents, Golda Adams Powell and William Clinton Powell and a granddaughter, Kacee Nicolle Thomas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either the Swansboro Fire Department or the Wake Med Foundation in honour of Max. A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church in Swansboro, NC on Saturday January 28, 2012 at 2:00 pm. The family will receive friends and family on Friday January 27, 2012 at Jones Funeral Home, Swansboro NC from 6 to 8 pm.
Saturday, 2:00pm, at Swansboro First Baptist Church.