Burble Hugh Owenby

Burble Hugh Owenby passed into the arms of his Savior on June 2, 2025, at the age of 89 years old, surrounded by his loving sister and his niece, Lola Smith and Karen Galbraith. As a young boy, Burble accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at Texas Valley Baptist Church.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Guietta Owenby, and their only child, Terri Jo Owenby; parents, Hugh and Cecil Smelcer Owenby; siblings, Luther Owenby, Agnes Cooper, Mick Owenby, Eva Harris, R.C. (Pepsi) Owenby, Frances McCurry, Claudia Whaley, Vickie Baker, and infant sister, Lillian Owenby. Surviving family members are Deloris Kitts, Carson (Mary Ann) Owenby, Beulah Beason, Lola (Doug) Smith and Johnny (Tina) Owenby. Burble also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and cousins, including his cousin and close friend, Rex Owenby. A special thanks goes out for all the meals and care provided by niece Mickie Moorefield, and his adopted nieces Becky Kreisa and Kathy Galbraith.

“It is more blessed to give than receive” – Acts: 20-35. This verse reflects the spirit in which Burble lived his life. He enjoyed a simple life, but the level of kindness and willingness to help others was far from simple – it was extraordinary.

Burble attended Bearden and West high schools. While in school he played football and was famous for his special car, a 1939 Ford Deluxe Coupe Tudor Rumble Seat Convertible, that everyone knew as the “Blue Goose!” Upon graduation, he joined the United States Air Force where he served as an Electronic Radar Engineer. While stationed in Kansas, he met and married the love of his life, Guietta. After serving his country, Burble worked for a few years on the Alaskan pipeline, and he finished his career as an electrical engineer at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratories.

Along with his formal training, Burble was known to be a master of all trades, including electrical, mechanical, and construction. In the early 1980’s, Burble designed plans for his and Guietta’s forever home. He built the house from the ground up, with help from his brother, Johnny, and a few friends. Burble’s house is built solid and on strong foundation, like how his life was perceived by all.

Over the years, many recall reaching out to Burble for guidance on fixing something broken. Burble would arrive at their house within no time, offering his expertise and a helping hand. For those who may remember the famous line, “Can we fix it? Yes, we can!” from Bob the Builder, it is a perfect example of Burble’s desire to tackle any problem.

Burble also loved cars. He worked on restoring his prized El Camino, and he loved talking shop with his family and friends. At one point in his life, he actually became a racecar driver! If you asked him about his favorite professional driver, he would tell you in no uncertain terms, #3 Earnhardt!

Burble was a man of unquestionable integrity, unwavering patience and unconquerable spirit. He became the full-time caretaker for both Guietta and Terri Jo, as Guietta fell victim to Alzheimer’s disease. He willingly took on the role of caring for her at home during the darkest times of this terrible disease. He always placed the needs of his girls first, and he never complained. They were the most important aspect of his life, and he loved and doted on them until the end. Even during the hardest days, Burble maintained his sweet disposition, and when he flashed that loving smile, one knew they were in the presence of a true hero. Burble was the personification of a selfless man.

When friends and family were asked to describe Burble in one word, a remarkable theme became evident. Words like kind, patient, selfless, gracious, helpful, happy, grateful, devoted, steadfast, humble, warm, generous, dedicated, loyal, gentle, wise, fortitude, cool, honorable, brave, honest, fearless, loving...the list goes on and on. These descriptive words define Burble Owenby and the way he lived his life.

Burble, go rest high on that mountain as your work on earth is done. We struggle to come to terms with the loss of your physical presence and the deep void left behind; however, we take comfort in knowing that you are in Heaven with our Lord and Savior, and you are reunited with Guietta, Terri Jo, and a whole host of other family members.

Graveside service begins at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery located at 5315 Kingston Pike. Pastor Steve Owenby officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to Texas Valley Baptist Church-Operation Christmas Child. Checks may be written to Texas Valley Baptist, with a note on the memo line stating “OCC” or “In Memory of Burble Owenby.” Send donations to: Texas Valley Baptist Church, 7100 Texas Valley Road, Knoxville, TN 37938.