Frank Herman Owensby Jr.

Frank Herman Owensby Jr., age 84, was born Tuesday, November 18, 1941, to the late Frank Herman Owensby Sr. and Marion Rumple Owensby. Frank passed away Thursday, July 17, 2026, at UNC Blue Ridge Morganton

Frank served in the United States Army from 1960 to 1963 as a sharpshooter, a role that reflected both steady discipline and a willingness to meet demanding challenges with confidence. In the years that followed, those same qualities—paired with a hardworking spirit—continued to shape the way Frank approached life and the things he cared about.

Frank was a devoted husband and father. For 28 years, he lovingly cared for his wife Judy who had suffered from a debilitating cerebral aneurysm at the young age of 42. For eight of those years he took care of her at home and then visited her almost every day for the remaining twenty in the nursing home.

An adventurous outdoorsman, Frank was a member of the Catawba Valley Wildlife club, where he was an avid hunter and shooter. Closer to home, he found simple satisfaction in tending a garden, putting patient effort into the quiet work of growing and caring for what he planted especially his tomatoes.

In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Judy Roberts Owensby; a son, Kenneth Blain Owensby; and a brother, Ronnie Owensby Sr.. Frank is survived by his daughter, Marlene Owensby and her partner John Curtis; sister, Beth Mayton and husband David; brothers, Tommy Owensby Sr. and wife Jean, Phillip Owensby and wife Diana; and Terry Owensby; sister-in-law Mary Owensby; and his nephew Tommy Owensby Jr who was like a son. He also leaves behind special nephews, nieces and great nephew and great nieces.

Visitation will be held at Drum Funeral Home, on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 2:45 pm.

A Funeral Service will be held at Drum Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 3:00 pm, with Pastor Matthew Johnson officiating.

Burial will follow at Eastview Cemetery in Newton with Military Honors.

Memorials may be made to Newton Area Wounded Warriors.

The Owensby Family is under the care of Drum Funeral Home.