Talmage Edward Nowell, Jr.

Talmage Edward Nowell, Jr. 1942-2023

Tal Nowell, known as Pops to his grandchildren, died peacefully on Saturday, October 28, 2023. Tal was a lifelong North Carolinian, born and raised in Raleigh, and living in cities around the State including Greensboro, Matthews, Mint Hill, Durham, Laurinburg, and Eden. He loved telling tales of growing up in Raleigh, delighting family and friends with stories of mischievous behavior.

Tal graduated from Needham Broughton High School in Raleigh in 1960, followed by NC State University, School of Textiles, in 1965. He married his high school sweetheart, Jana Franklin, in 1961 and they set up residence in NCSU Married Student Housing. After graduation, they moved to Greensboro for his first job with Cone Mills. His job moved the family around the state, with Jana setting up new homes in every new location. After Cone Mills, he worked with Waverly Mills, Spray Cotton Mills and Times Fiber/Amphenol before retiring in 2011.

An avid golfer, Tal was a junior champion in Raleigh, played briefly for NCSU, and enjoyed a lifetime of playing. He had the pleasure of playing Pebble Beach, the Old Course, the Boulders, White Witch, and Pinehurst #2 (where he shot even par) to name a few, and like his father and grandfather, scored a hole-in-one.

Tal also loved surf casting, from his early days at the Topsail family cottage “Granny’s” alongside his parents, especially his mother Jewel who loved nothing more than fishing at the beach. He would patiently bait hooks for her and later for children and grandchildren, then frying up the catch for lunch.

Tal is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jana Franklin Nowell, three daughters Amy Nowell (Alan Norris), June Dix (Michael), Vicki Autry (Wayne), grandchildren Cooper Norris and Myf Nowell, Zachary and Noah Dix, Emma Jewel Autry; brother Ted Nowell, and many cousins. He is predeceased by his parents Talmage Edward Nowell Sr. and Jewel Sandlin Nowell.

There are no funeral plans at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to hug your loved ones, enjoy a beach sunset, a round of golf, a good scotch, or make a donation to your favorite charity or the American Red Cross, NC Piedmont Triad Chapter.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com