Roger Gant Powell, a distinguished investment banking executive, passionate conservationist, and former chair of the Maryland Zoo board, passed away from anemia on January 1 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, North Carolina. The 75-year-old had previously resided in Roland Park and Garrison.
Originally hailing from Fayetteville, North Carolina, he was the son of Catherine Gant Powell and Robert J. Powell Jr., a banker who held a position on the New York Stock Exchange.
Roger earned his degree from Davidson College before beginning his career in investment banking at United Carolina Bancshares in 1975.
During a family gathering in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, he met Anne Bear Powell, who would eventually become his beloved wife.
In 1983, he took a significant step by joining Alex. Brown & Sons, the investment firm located on East Baltimore Street. His dedication and talent led him to become a managing director as the firm underwent acquisitions by Bankers Trust Co. and Deutsche Bank.
In 2008, Mr. Powell became a managing director at Janney Montgomery Scott, later establishing his own consultancy in 2016. His professional journey led him to join the Burke Stelling Group in 2021.
Notably, he triumphed over pancreatic cancer in 1994 while under the esteemed care of Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Roger was a globetrotter who cherished traveling, forging friendships in every corner of the world. He was deeply committed to conservation efforts and remained actively involved in his local community.
As an honorary member and former chair of the Board of Trustees for the Maryland Zoological Society, Roger also played a pivotal role as a founding member and the first chair of the Board of Directors for the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project Inc.
An outdoors enthusiast, he enjoyed fishing, sailing, and gardening.
“He was a wonderful storyteller, sharing his adventures and experiences with enthusiasm. His love for history was reflected in the tales he often recounted,” commented his wife, Anne Bear Powell. “One of the first things people would say about Roger was that he truly embodied the essence of a gentleman, and he had a remarkable ability to connect with strangers.”
After overcoming pancreatic cancer, Roger became a founding member of the National Advisory Board for the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center. He also served on the board of the Maryland Institute College of Art and contributed to the finance committee of the Baltimore Choral Arts Society.
Roger was a generous donor to organizations such as the Arbor Day Foundation and the Boys & Girls Home. He was a member of several prestigious clubs, including the Cape Fear Country Club, Carolina Yacht Club, Elkridge Club, and the Baltimore Bachelors’ Cotillion.
A celebration of his life will take place at noon on January 24 at St. James Parish in Wilmington, North Carolina.
He is survived by his wife, Anne Bear Powell; his mother, Catherine Gant Powell, of Greenville, North Carolina; his daughter, Anne Powell Goldsborough, residing in Baltimore; two sons, Roger Gant Powell Jr., from Brooklyn, New York, and Samuel Bear Powell, living in Brisbane, Australia; two brothers, Robert J. Powell III, of Greenville, and Ronald M. Powell, of Davidson; a sister, the Rev. Catherine R. Powell, of Wilmington; and five grandchildren.
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