Elmer Allan Powell

Elmer Allan “Buddy” Powell, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away at his home in Summit, Mississippi, on March 11, 2026. Born in Indianola, Mississippi, on April 21, 1956, to Elmer B. Powell and Earline Powell, Buddy graduated from Charleston High School and attended Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, where he met his future wife, Stacy Watson. The couple recently celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary.

In 1987, Buddy and Stacy settled in McComb with their two children, Mike Powell and Kristi Orr. There, Buddy built a successful career in the restaurant industry, becoming the franchise owner of the McComb Golden Corral and later relocating it to Anna Drive. He went on to introduce the Huey Magoo’s franchise to Mississippi, growing it into multiple thriving locations across the state. His achievements included numerous top-ten honors with Golden Corral and being named the first-ever Franchisee of the Year for Huey Magoo’s. He often credited his accomplishments to the steadfast support and hard work of his wife, Stacy.

Though he found success in restaurants, Buddy’s true passion lay in commercial and recreational land development. Known affectionately as the “Land Man,” he bought, developed, and nurtured property across Mississippi and into Texas, transforming raw land into thriving businesses and cherished hunting grounds. He took particular delight in watching projects such as FitLife in McComb come to life and in spending time in the outdoors, whether tagging a trophy buck in Yazoo County or the Texas Hill Country.

Above all, Buddy cherished his family. He was a constant and enthusiastic presence at his children’s and grandchildren’s activities, from Mike’s Dixie Youth baseball, Parklane pitching, and football games to Kristi’s gymnastics and show choir performances. This tradition continued with his grandchildren, bringing him some of his greatest joy. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 50 years, Stacy Watson Powell; his children, Michael Allan Powell (Rachel) and Kristi Powell Orr (Guy); his four grandchildren, Kennedy Elizabeth Powell, Cecile Ruth Powell, Mason James Orr, and James Allan Powell; his brother Bill Powell; and many brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ben Powell, and his sister Pattie Powell.