Ralph Edward Owens

Owens, Ralph Edward passed away peacefully while surrounded by his loving family in the hospital on February 7, 2017 at the age of 74. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Judith Ann; his son Ronald, his daughter Kathleen and her husband Brian Ward; his daughter Kristina and her husband Marty Angiulli; and his daughter-in-law Connie Hill. He was preceded in death by his sons Raymond and Christopher; his sister Wanda Jean Littlejohn, and his brothers William Owens, Donald Owens, Glen Owens and Richard Owens. He is survived by his sisters Helen Huff, Juanita Fairall, Delores and her husband Peter Koenig, Nancy and her husband Steve Martin; his brother Lee Owens and his wife Gail; and his sister-in-law Mary Owens. He is also survived by his grandchildren Amanda and her husband Shane Ott, Nicki Hill, Colby Way, Anthony Hill and Victoria Angiulli; and his great-grandchildren Ariana, McCallister and Haleigh.

Ralph was born in Ironton, Ohio on February 12, 1942 to Bertha and William Owens. He graduated from Coal Grove High School and then entered the United States Air Force in 1959. He served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War as a communications specialist, reached the rank of Staff Sargent, and retired after 20 years of service in 1980. He earned several medals of for distinguished service.

Following his Military service Ralph continued his career in government as a Clerk with the United States Postal Service. During this time he also earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Tampa College. He spent 20 years serving in the Postal Service and retired in 2002.

After Ralph and his wife Judy retired they began traveling and became very fond of cruising. Ralph even opened a travel business called Blow Me Away Travel which fueled his passion. He and Judy enjoyed over 30 cruises including many over the Thanksgiving holidays with many members of their extended family. His most cherished cruise was the one he took with Judy to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary which took 23 days and where they visited several Pacific Islands including Hawaii, New Zealand, and Sydney, Australia.

During his lifetime Ralph enjoyed many activities including fishing and golf. He was a talented singer and guitar player who proudly carried the nickname of “Buck Owens” from those who knew him well. He and Judy attended Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Temple Terrace, Florida where Ralph served as an Usher.

There will be a visitation with the family at Gonzalez Funeral Home in Tampa on Monday February 13, 2017 from 5pm to 8pm. His funeral service will be held Tuesday, February 14th at Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Temple Terrace, Florida at 3pm followed by internment at Sunset Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ralph’s name to Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.