Thomas Owens Sr.

Thomas William "T.W." Owens Sr., passed peacefully at home and went to be with Jesus on Wednesday, June 24, 2015. T.W. was born in Ware Shoals, S.C., on Sept. 30, 1929, and was born again, finding the Lord as a young man, leading an extended family to love the Lord. T.W. served as a member of Memorial Baptist of Chattanooga from 1955, and since 2009, of Middle Cross Baptist Church. In addition to his faith, Mr. Owens was known for his love of family and travel with his wife of 58 years, Lois (Dobbs) Owens. After graduating from Red Bank High School, T.W. volunteered for military service in the U.S. Navy, serving as a Yeoman until his honorable discharge in 1949. Mr. Owens worked for the DuPont Textile Plant in Chattanooga from 1952 until retirement in 1985. An only child, much of T.W.s early life was spent being raised by his grandmother Thompson. Mr. Owens was preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Lois Dobbs Owens; and by his parents, Jessie Mae Owens Davis and Raymond Owens. T.W. temporarily leaves behind his three sons and one daughter (as well as three daughters-in-law), Thomas (Joan) Owens Jr., David (Teresa) Owens, Steve (Shanee) Owens and Carol (Billy) Strother; as well as 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. A wonderful husband, a beloved father, a kind friend, a focused family provider, a true churchman, Mr. T.W. Owens focused on his Savior, The Lord Jesus Christ, to the very end. T.W., whose 85 years upon this earth seem yet too brief, will be greatly missed by his family and friends until the Great Reunion at the second coming of Jesus. Funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 29, 2015, in the chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, North Chapel, with Dr. Billy Strother of Harmony Christian Church, Georgetown, Ky., and the Rev. Ed Gravett of Middle Cross Baptist Church, co-officiating. Interment will follow to Chattanooga National Cemetery Friends and loved ones are invited to the visitation on Sunday, June 28, from 4-8 p.m. and on Monday, June 29, from 10-11 a.m. at Chattanooga Funeral Home, North Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of Chattanooga, 4411 Oakwood Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37416. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com. Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.