Mr. Gary E. Owens
Mr. Gary Owens Obituary
Mr. Owens will be available for viewing here at the funeral home on Wednesday, August 10, 2016 between the hours of 1:00pm - 6:00pm.
Funeral Services for Mr. Owens will be observed on Thursday, August 11, 2016, at 1:00 O’Clock pm from the Rehope Baptist Church, 5267 County Road 258, LaFayette, Alabama 36862, with The Reverend Dr. H.L. Jones, Pastor officiating.
Burial will follow in the adjoining Cemetery at Rehope Baptist Church, LaFayette, Alabama.
Serving as Attendants will be Grandsons, Military Personnel from the U.S. Coast Guard, and as Honorary Attendants, U.S. American Legion Post #53.
Flowers and donations can be sent to Rehope Missionary Baptist Church, 5267 County Road 258, LaFayette, Alabama 36862.In Loving Memory Of Mr. Gary E. Owens
A proud veteran of the United States Navy and Merchant Marine, Gary Evan Owens was born on March 18, 1950, in Springfield, Hampden County, Massachusetts to the parentage of the late Tommie and Elinor (Edwards) Owens. Gary was one of four (4) siblings born to this union, having one brother David Owens, precede him in death in 2005 along with parents, Tommie and Elinor.
After graduating from Trade High School, on (October 8, 1968), he entered the U.S. Navy and courageously served our grateful nation both at home and abroad, during the Viet Nam era. He served aboard the USS EPPERSON. During his tour of duty, he was decorated with The National Defense Service Medal, The Vietnam Service Medal, and The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. Having earned the rank of E-3, after 2 years, 8 months, and 22 days of credible service, he was honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces, on November 29, 1971.
After discharge he entered the U.S. Merchant Marines, and traveled the world extensively for 10 years. He then became a certified professional Chef with a distinctive and impressive resume, which included Head Chef at Georgia Tech University. At one time he owned one of the largest and most successful catering businesses in Atlanta, Georgia. He also, provided all of the catering for the inauguration of Lawrence Douglas Wilder of Virginia, the first black governor of Virginia since Reconstruction. As an entrepreneur Gary also owned several successful small businesses in the Alabama area.
Gary later migrated to Roanoke, Alabama where he became active in the faith community. He attended New Life Worship Center, and often visited First Baptist Church. As a disabled veteran, Mr. Owens busied himself as a retailer, owning and operating a thrift store downtown Roanoke. Sometime later, Gary met and won the heart of Mrs. Audrey Phillips. They were married on June 5, 2004 in a beautiful ceremony conducted by Pastor H. L. Jones. They made their church home at Rehope Baptist Church, in LaFayette. Their marriage, which lasted for twelve (12) wonderful years, resulted in a large loving blended family of adult children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Gary was an active member of the U.S. American Legion, Post #53 here in Roanoke.
Bringing an end to an extended illness, Gary transitioned from this life on Friday, August 5, 2016, around 1:15 am at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Decatur, Georgia.
Gary's cherished legacy is carried on by his caring and devoted wife of twelve years, Mrs. Audrey Phillips Owens of Roanoke, Alabama; two (2) daughters: Lauren Owens of New York, and Chantel Owens of Atlanta, Georgia; six (6) step-sons: Jimmy (Brenda), Larry (Diane), Sammy (Rosie), Mark (Kelly), Michael (Shirley) all of Roanoke, Alabama and Eric of Sylacauga, Alabama; four (4) step-daughters: Helen Lewis, Linda Cameron, Kathy Jean Harrison (Billy), all of Roanoke, Alabama; Mary Herring (Dwight) of Woodland, Alabama; one brother, The Reverend Tommie Owens (Jackie) of Columbia, South Carolina; one (2) sisters, Trudie L.M. Owens of San Antonio, Texas and Jacinta Parsons of Atlanta, Georgia; two (2) brothers-in-law: Calvert Austin of LaGrange, Georgia, and Carl Austin of Roanoke, Alabama; three (3) sisters-in-law: Essie Austin of Long Island, NY, Barbara Beaty (Eddie) of Middletown, New York; Stella Marshall of Charlotte, North Carolina; one (1) special granddaughter, Imani Owens of Marietta, Georgia; 56 grandchildren; 64 great-grandchildren; and last but certainly not least four (4) great-great grandchildren; special friends: his neighbors: John Frank Houston, Lorenzo "Budd" White, Reverend Jeffery Rosser, and Willie Neeley; a host of nieces, nephews, beloved neighbors and many other loving relatives and friends.
Aknowledgment
The Family of Gary E. Owens is grateful to God for his life, your friendship and for your kindness and prayers. We count each of your kind expressions of sympathy as a loving tribute to Gary’s wonderful memory. Gary always had a smile on his face, and brought laughter to all around him. He never said "good-bye" but just smiled and said, "Ciao". Special Thanks to the Atlanta VA Medical Center MICU doctors and nursing staff. Also, thanks to the Emory University Medical Center ICU staff and Reverend H. L. Jones, Gary's pastor. May God bless each of you is our sincere prayer.
The Phillips-Owens family
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