Elmer Allan "Buddy" Powell

Elmer Allan "Buddy" Powell, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, went to be with the Lord on March 11, 2026, at his home in Summit. Buddy was born in Indianola, MS on April 21, 1956, to Elmer B. Powell and Earline Powell. He attended Charleston High School then moved on to Delta State University, in Cleveland, MS where he met his wife, Stacy Watson. He and Stacy just celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary.

Buddy and Stacy, along with their 2 children Mike Powell and Kristi Orr, settled in McComb in 1987, continuing his career with Golden Corral. The couple was able to become the franchise owner of the McComb Golden Corral, later moving to its current location on Anna Drive.

Always attuned to a business opportunity, Buddy used his restaurant expertise to bring the Huey Magoo's franchise to Mississippi. He took great joy in seeing that business grow and develop into multiple successful locations throughout the state. Over the years, Buddy was recognized with many top ten accomplishments for Golden Corral and was the first ever Franchisee of the Year for Huey Magoo's. He knew none of this would have been possible without the hard-work and dedication of his loving wife, Stacy.

While Buddy loved the restaurant industry, he found his passion in commercial and recreational land development, proudly self-proclaiming himself as the Land Man. From hunting property to timber tracts to commercial development, Buddy's land interests stretched across Mississippi and into Texas. He took joy in watching undeveloped land grow into thriving businesses, such as FitLife in McComb, or tagging a trophy buck hunting in Yazoo County or the Hill Country of Texas. Land Man was as fitting a moniker as ever for Buddy Powell.

As busy as his businesses and work kept him, most people knew Buddy from his love and enthusiasm for watching his children and later grandchildren in their sports and activities. Whether it was watching Mike in Dixie Youth baseball, pitching for Parklane, or blocking on the football field, or Kristi competing in gymnastics or belting showtunes in the show choir, Buddy took the greatest joy in his children's activities. This tradition carried on with his grandchildren and their many endeavors.

Buddy is survived by his loving wife of almost 50 years, Stacy Watson Powell; his 2 children Michael Allan Powell (Rachel) and Kristi Powell Orr (Guy); and his 4 grandchildren, Kennedy Elizabeth Powell, Cecile Ruth Powell, Mason James Orr, and James Allan Powell. He is also survived by his brother Bill Powell, and his brothers- and sisters-in-law Ginny Powell, JoDonna Watson (AB Cox), Bob Watson (Diane), and Bo Watson; as well as a host of nephews, nieces, and grand-nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer Powell and Earline Powell; his brother Ben Powell; and his sister Pattie Powell.

Visitation for Buddy Powell was held on Friday, March 13, at Hartman Jones Funeral Home from 5PM until 7PM. Visitation continued March 14, at Hartman Jones from 9AM until services at 10AM. A private family burial followed at Hollywood Cemetery in McComb. Rev. Stuart Purvis officiated. In memoriam donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or PALS Animal Rescue in McComb.

Pallbearers were Jeff Carruth, Rick Newman, Steve Rushing, Chad Leggett, Scott Embry, and Blake Frazier.