Felton J. Capel, Sr.

Felton Jeffrey Capel, Sr., a native of Richmond County, N.C., attended Mineral Springs High School in Ellerbe, N.C. He is also a 1951 graduate of Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia. As a World War II veteran, Felton J. Capel, Sr. served his country as NCO Staff Sergeant in the United States Army. In 1962, Felton Capel, Sr. developed the Cardinal Recreation Park and Cardinal Village in Pinebluff, N.C. A man who endures the hearts of others, Felton Capel, Sr., created a place for families and people young to old. This was a place that not only opened an area of business but also opened job opportunities for others.

Later Mr. Felton Capel, Sr. began a career in marketing as a salesman for Century Metalcraft Corporation in 1958. With experience and determination, he went on to become the Director of Sales for Presto Pride Cookware. Shortly after, he was promoted to District Manager and Area Sales Director. This led him to jump start international organization, personal, and group sales. During this time, he was appointed by Governor Bob Scott as the first African-American to serve on the North Carolina Board of Conservation and Development. There he also served on the board of Travel, Promotions, State Parks, Commerce and Industry Committees. Although Felton Capel, Sr. received leadership positions for other companies and organizations, he decided to branch out on his own. Capel formed his own company as President and CEO of Century Associates of North Carolina, distributors of Stainless Steel, Waterless Cookware in 1979.

Throughout Felton J. Capel, Sr.’s tenure, he has exhibited outstanding leadership and development, resulting in the receipt of countless recognitions, assignments, and awards. The acknowledgments are as follows:

Served on Board of Directors:

• Southern National Bank
• Wachovia Bank
• First Bank
• North Carolina Citizens for Business and Industry (NCCBI)
• Carolina Power and Light Company
• Durham Corporation-Durham Life Insurance Company
• Global Trans Park Foundation, Inc.
• North Carolina Zoological Society
• Kate B. Reynolds Health Care Foundation
• Kate B. Reynolds Health Care Trust
• Charter Board Member, NC Outward Bound School
• Vice Chairman, NC Association of Minority Business (NCAMB)
• First to integrate Southern Pines Rotary Club; Past District Governor;
• Past President; Paul Harris Fellowship Award; Major Donor
• Chairman, Board of Trustees, Fayetteville State University
• Fayetteville State University Foundation (FSUF)

Receiving almost every award Fayetteville State has to offer, Capel said that he would continue to work for the FSU Foundation in some capacity. There are a number of students at Fayetteville State University who were awarded the Capel Scholarship which includes full tuition for four years. Although Felton Capel, Sr. is a man of prestige in business and the community, he is also a family man. Capel is married to Jean Walden of West End, N.C. They are the parents of three sons: Felton Jeffrey Jr., Mitchell Gregory and Kenneth Oriel; seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.