Donald M. “Boog” Powell, age 70, passed away at his home in Southport, NC, after being diagnosed with ALS in September of 2023.

Don was born in California while his father was in the service, but soon after his parents moved back to Merritt Island, FL, where he grew up, while spending summers with his grandparents and other family members on their farm in Folkston, GA.  Don graduated from Merritt Island High School in 1972, and worked part-time at Ramone’s Restaurant for a few years where he learned to cook and enjoyed it.  

Don joined the Air Force in December of 1975 and went to Basic Training in San Antonio, TX.  Later that year he went to Mississippi for Air Traffic Control (ATC) School, which was his long term career plan.

In 1976, he went to Big Spring, TX AFB for his first ATC duty station.  In 1977, Big Spring, TX AFB closed, and Don was then assigned to Homestead, FL  AFB to work in the ATC tower.

In 1980, Don was assigned to Alaska AFB for 8 months and then returned to Homestead FL until he left the Air Force in December 1981, during the time of the ATC strike under Ronald Reagan, and was offered his first job working for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in Kalamazoo, MI in 1982.

In January of 1985, Don returned to Jacksonville, FL and took a job at Jacksonville International Airport where he remained until he transferred to the Air Traffic Control System Command Center in Herndon, VA, in 1999.  Soon after, he accepted a detail in FAA Headquarters in Washington, DC., where he met his current wife, Mary Ann, who worked as a Program Analyst for the FAA.

Don served his country in the United States Air Force for six years before embarking on a distinguished career with the Federal Aviation Administration as an air traffic controller. His dedication, and calm demeanor made him a respected figure among his colleagues and peers throughout his tenure. Don took great pride in his work and the friendships he built along the way, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and integrity.

Don was a man who truly embodied calm strength. He had a way of making everyone around him feel at ease, and his fun-loving spirit always brought laughter and light into any room he entered.

He was a devoted husband, whose love and loyalty were unwavering; a proud father and stepfather who guided with gentleness and wisdom; and a cherished Papa Don, whose hugs and laughter will echo in our hearts forever. Family was his greatest joy, and his presence at every gathering turned ordinary moments into treasured memories and laughter.

Though he will be greatly missed, we take comfort in knowing Don’s life was a beautiful example of love, kindness, and grace. His calm demeanor, quick wit, and ability to find joy in the simple things will live on in those who were lucky enough to know him.

Don is survived by his loving wife Mary Ann of 23 years, his daughter Shannon and son Christopher, grandsons Kyle, Connor and Chris Jr, stepdaughters Rosalynn, Christin, and Corinne, and his step grandchildren Carter and Willow who loved their Papa Don. He is also survived by his father, mother, brother, neices, and countless friends that he made throughout his life.

A service for Don will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Southport, NC, and a Celebration of Don’s Life will follow immediately after the service at Don and Mary Ann’s home.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor his memory by sharing laughter, embracing life, and loving those closest to you—just as Don always did.