Jesse Smith Capel

Jesse Smith Capel (1932-2023): A Legacy of Service, Leadership, and Commitment to Community

The Capel family and the larger Montgomery County community mourn the passing of Jesse Smith Capel, who left us on October 20, 2023, at the age of 90. Jesse's lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and the betterment of the community he so loved was an inspiration to all who knew him.

A funeral service will be held at 11AM, Thursday, October 26, 2023 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 239 N Russell St, Troy, NC 27371.  The Capel family invites you to join them in celebrating Jesse's remarkable life.  A reception will immediately follow the service, where friends and family can gather to share memories, pay tributes, and offer their condolences.

Born on November 17, 1932, Jesse was an exemplary figure, known not just for his commitment to the Capel family legacy in textiles but for his dedication to making Montgomery County and beyond a better place for all.

A proud 1954 graduate of N.C. State University with a degree in textile management, Jesse first served in the US Army, then joined the family business, Capel, Inc., where he would make significant contributions until his retirement in 2007.  Further service to business and community included roles on the boards of Virginia Episcopal School, a role he dedicated to the memory of his son, J. Smith Capel, the Duke Heart Center, the Montgomery County Fund, Pfeiffer University, the N.C. Museum of History, the N.C. Museum of Art, and as chairman of FirstBancorp. Jesse's leadership also extended to the N.C. State Ports Authority, where he served as president of the State Ports Authority Foundation. His love for Scouting saw him serve as district chairman for Boy Scouts of America, for which he was awarded the Silver Beaver Award.

Jesse's commitment to education and community growth was evident in his 16-year service as chairman of the Montgomery Community College Board of Trustees. As a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Jesse founded The Trinity Fund, a crisis assistance ministry, and held numerous leadership roles.

Beyond his public service, Jesse was a loving family man. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 68 years, Julianne Boone Capel, daughters Mary Clara Capel of Chapel Hill, Julie Capel Williams and Steve Williams of Vero Beach, Florida, Sarah Kea Capel of Pinehurst, and daughter-in-law Elizabeth Capel of Atlantic Beach, along with ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Jesse was preceded in death by his son, Jesse Smith Capel, Jr.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during visitation hours at Bumgarner Funeral Home, located at 620 Albemarle Rd, Troy, NC 27371, on Wednesday from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.

The Capel family is forever grateful to our parents caregivers, Jeremy Russell, Tonita Smith, Lane Smith, and Willa Martin. Your care and compassion for them will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Jesse's memory to the Trinity Fund, Trinity United Methodist Church, PO Box 502, Troy, NC 27371.  Your generosity and support in commemorating Jesse's legacy are greatly appreciated.

Services will be live streamed on Bumgarner Family Funeral Service FaceBook page.

Bumgarner Family Funeral Service is assisting the Capel family.

Online condolences can be made at www.bumgarnerfunerals.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jesse Smith Capel, please visit our floral store.