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, Jeff Capel, Sr. developed the Cardinal Recreation Park and Cardinal Village in South Pinebluff, N.C. A man who endures the hearts of others, Jeff 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. Jeff Capel, Sr. began a career in marketing as a salesman for Century Metalcraft Corporation in 1968. With experience and determination, he went on to become the Director of Sales for Presto Pride Cookware. Shortly after, he was promoted as 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 to serve on the North Carolina Board of Conservation and Development. Here he also served on the board of Travel and Promotions, State Parks and Commerce and Industry Committees. Although Jeff 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:• North Carolina Citizens for Business and Industry (NCCBI)
• Carolina Power and Light Company
• Southern National Bank
• Wachovia Bank
• Durham Corporation-Durham Life Insurance Company
• Global Trans Park Foundation, Inc.
• First Bank
• 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)
• Past President of Southern Pines Rotary Club
• Chairman, Board of Trustees, Fayetteville State University and Fayetteville State University Foundation
Civic and Community Activities:
• Sandhills Area Chamber of Commerce
• Partners for Progress
• First Health/Moore Regional Hospital
• First Health Community Service Board
• Boys and Girls Club of the Sandhills
• Moore County Literacy Council
• Episcopal Day School
Chairman:
• Moore County United Way Campaign
• Moore County Chapter, American Red Cross
• Moore County Board of Elections
• Moore County Children's Center Building Fund Committee
• President, West Southern Pines Civic Club
• Stadium Committee for Construction of Pinecrest High School Stadium
• Moore County Citizens Input Priorities for Minorities (CIPM)
• Life and Board Member, NAACP
• Past President of Harrington Chapel Men's Club, Sunday School Leader
• Past President, Laymen's League of the Pee Dee Baptist Association
• Southern Pines Fellowship of Churches
Honors and Awards:
• The Sandhills Kiwanis Club's Builders Cup 1997
• NC Business Hall of Fame Induction, Sponsored by NCCBI/Junior Achievement
• Fayetteville State University's Sports Hall of Fame Induction, Sports Broadcasting play- by- play WFSS and WFSU
• Sports Broadcasting-Radio WEEB-Booster club
• Delta Mu Delta National Honor Society in Business Administration Induction
• Who's Who Among Black Americans since 1985
• University Award 2000 at UNC-Chapel Hill
• Honored by Fayetteville State University naming new Health and Sports Complex Felton J. Capel Arena 1985
• United Way of Moore County Cornerstone Award
• Honored by Methodist College, 2006 Silver Spoon Award for succeeding despite being in poverty
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 Jeff 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, NC. They are the parents of three sons: Felton Jeffrey Jr., Mitchell Gregory and Kenneth Oriel; seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.