I will always remember Mr. Owens, my favorite teacher of all time.  The last time I saw him was at my 25 year VHHS reunion.  We laughed about funny things that had happened when I was in his class 29 years prior to that night, memories that he brought up, but I had not forgotten.  He always had a way of making me feel so special.  There will never be another Mr. Owens. What a great man he was........

So very sorry to hear of Mr. Owen's passing.  My Mom (Jimmie Johnson Reinier) grew up with Mr. Owens in Andalusia and he was my Biology teacher.
The things that stand out to me are these:  He LOVED his girls and was so very proud of them.  We also knew he loved us and would have done anything to help us.  He was one of a kind.

Your were a great teacher as well as a great man. You are the reason I started reading the newspaper, trying to get you an article so I could get some extra credit points. You will be missed!

I was so saddened to hear this news. Mr. Owens was a great teacher and an awesome man. He had such a strong, positive impact on me and so many others.  He had a gift for making each student feel special and  important. In the years after high school whenever I would see him at different places , he would share some "silly" or "randon" thing about my particular class that would make us laugh. He would also ask about my husband (Paul - class of '79) even though he never had Paul in class. He would also ask about my 2 daughters and we would talk about raising girls! I remember running in to him in the grocery store and telling him about both of my daughters' upcomng weddings! We again talked about raising daughters!!! He also was so proud of his grandkids! When Paul and I attended the class of '79 thirty year reunion, I was excited to tell him about the recent birth of my first granddaughter! Typical of Mr. Owens, he was genuinely happy for me and then started telling me about some of the other "kids" from the late 70's - early 80's classes that he knew of that were also grandparents! I'm amazed at how he kept up with his students throughout the years and remembered so much from our years at VHHS. He really cared about each individual student.  My thoughts and prayers are with all of us who were fortunate enough to know and love Mr. Owens, especially his dear family! God Bless you and give you peace during these difficult days.
Debbie Davidson Saeger - Class of 1980

I loved this man. What a great teacher and person he was.  He always made me feel like i was one if his favorite students. He  truely cared for people. He had a great laugh. I will never forget him and all that he means to me. May God continue to bless you all, during this difficult time.
Tracy Richardson Hudson, VHHS class of 1979

Mr. Owens was a true "Good Fellow" who made his classes fun and enjoyable.  He will forever be remembered as a man of character, conviction and conscience that resinated with his very being.  You knew he was not just your teacher but a true friend you could go to for any concern.  My prayers and thoughts are extended to the family during this dificult time.  May Jesus Himself comfort you in the thought that we will all be reunited again.  VHHS class of 1978.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Owens famlily during this difficult time.  Mr Owens was a fantastic teacher and friend.  He will be missed by all.  When I think of my high school years he always comes to mind,  Love him!!  God Bless!

Karen Abrasley Davis   Meridian,Mississippi

Mr Owens was one of my favorite teachers in high school and one I will never forget.  He taught me more than just what came out of a text book.  My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.  Class of 89.

As all of his students, family and friends, my heart was opened, supported and most of all loved by his wonderful spirit! He was truly an amazing man who was somehow able to breakthrough the toughest exteriors with his humor and laughter. I am grateful to have been a small part of his life. He made such a difference in so many lives! My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Thanks for sharing him with us. Class of '85

"Karen, Mr. and Mrs. Owens were a very big influence on me as a teen and treated me like family. I have a great amount of respect for Mr. Owens as a teacher, coach and mentor. There are many memories of him that I will always keep with me. May God bless you all."

Amazing God father. Wish we could be there for the funeral but so glad the rest of the family can make it

I enjoyed having the pleasure as Mr. Owens for high school like so many of us,he may have tough at times but he was also a sweet man who would say hi to you in the hallways as well. Sending out prayers and sympathy to the family since I won't be able to make to the funeral.
Maya Zahalsky Pennock
Class of 1990

Mr. Owens was one of my favorite teachers at VHHS.  He was a wonderful person and I am honored to have known him. Thoughts and prayers for his family. Class of '80

Mr. Owens has influenced so many students to count.  His character and wisdom were shared without reservation.  His students will each take memories of our time with him. VHHS '79

Mr Owens was one in a trillion. He was a great teacher who loved the kids and wasn't afraid to show it. He helped us start the soccer program at VHHS because he saw our desire and need.  He touched thousands of lives and we look forward to the day we will meet again. Prayers for the family and your loss.

Dick and his mother had such a profound impact on my mother's life.  I am grateful for the love that was shown to her by your family.  I'm glad we got to visit with you last week and will keep you in our prayers!

My wonderful high school soccer coach at Vestavia Hills High School. Oh what a wonderful man! So sorry I cannot make it to his funeral. Thoughts & prayers go out to his family. 
Ashley A. Wheeler
(Guntersville, AL)
Vestavia Hills High School
Class of 1990

 Mr. Owens will be missed by a great many students.  He was my Biology teacher and made it a fun class.  My prayers are with his family.  
Class of 1989

Mr. Owens had such dedication to his students. He had such a big heart and will be truly missed. May God wrap his arms around you in Heaven. May your inspiration live on in your family and students. Prayers for his family. R.I.P. Class of '88, V.H.H.S.

Mr. Owens was my science teacher at VHHS.  He was a wonderful man and teacher.  He taught me how to give to those in need. Such a giving man.  What a great loss.  My thoughts are with his family.
Suzanne Gibson Moseley Class of 1984

Mr. Owens played a critical role in my choice of the Naval Academy.  His influence definitely had a positive impact on my life. Next year, at my change of command ceremony, I will wear a pair of white gloves in his memory.; he gave me the gloves in 1995, passed down from his time at USNA.

Karen, your father sounded like such an amazing man who touched so many lives. What an inspiration he was and will be for years to come.

Mr. Owens was my science teacher at Vestavia Hills High School. He was a caring person and truly found his calling as a teacher. He touched many lives throughout his career and will not be forgotten! My condolences to his family.
Leslie Steele Flemming Class of 1979

I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Owens' passing.  Mr. Owens was one of my all time favorite teachers.  He was truly a Good Fellow!!!! Rest in Peace, Mr. Owens.  Sending prayers and sympathy for the family.

The things Mr. Owens taught me will never be forgotten. I am glad I got to share some of them with him at our 30th reunion. He was a teacher who truly cared for his students!

OBITUARY

Richard Thomas Owens

Southern Heritage Funeral Home & Cemetery

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