Willie Thomas Owens

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day…”

2 Timothy 4:7-8

Willie T. Owens was born February 24, 1942 in Atmore, Alabama to Charlie and Maureen Owens. He was one of two children. He was married to Ozie Bell Owens and their union produced two sons, Thomas DeWayne Owens and Anthony Lamar Owens. Willie and Ozie were married for 57 wonderful years. Willie and Ozie were members of Grace Chapel on Maxwell Air Base.

Willie served patriotically in the United States Air Force for 28 years and after retirement from the military he served as the Executive Director of the Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation for 20 plus years. Willie was a 1959 graduate of Escambia High School. He went on to earn an Associate’s Degree at Saint Leo College, a Bachelor of Science at Troy University and a Master’s of Science in Human Resource Management.

Willie Owens excelled in every area of endeavor and always held himself to high standards of success. While in the military, his tour of duties allowed him to serve overseas in Europe and Asia which included Germany, Japan, Thailand, Korea as well as several states in the U.S. which included, Altus, OK, Wichita, KS, Fort Walton Beach, FL, Montgomery, AL and Washington DC. He was a highly multiple awarded decorated Air Force veteran including the earning of a Bronze Star.

Willie loved taking his family on tours in foreign countries. He and Ozie Owens have traveled all over the world during their marriage. He loved listening to old R&B, Country and Jazz music, watching old western movies, visiting family, and meeting regularly with old military friends. He also loved exotic foods, grilling, and known for his famous barbequed applesauce ribs.

Willie is survived by the following family members that will always love him; his wife, Ozie B. Owens, his brother Charlie Owens, Jr., his sons Thomas DeWayne Owens and Anthony Lamar Owens; his daughter in law, Dolores Owens, his grand-children, Ryan Meehan, DeeAnn Otter, and Amanda Wernett, his grand-daughter in law, Kerri Meehan, and grand-son in laws Kenneth Otter and Victor Wernett. His great-grandchildren, Vivica Strong, Skylar Meehan, Trillion Meehan, Killion Wernett, Aisling Wernett, and Beckett Otter. Willie is also survived by his Aunt Louise White and husband Theodore White, his Uncle Prince Williams and wife Diane Williams. Willie leaves behind several nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Services for Willie T. Owens are scheduled for Saturday, September 23, 2017 at White Chapel-Greenwood Funeral Home. A visitation at 9:00 am and a Celebration of Life Service at 10:00 am will be followed by a graveside with military honors in Greenwood Serenity Cemetery.