R.C.-Owens-Obituary

R.C. Owens

Obituary

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - R.C. Owens, a longtime 49ers front office man and eight-year NFL wide receiver whose impressive leaping ability earned him the nickname "Alley Oop" and helped popularize the basketball phrase, died Sunday at age 77.

The 49ers, his team for the first five of his NFL seasons, confirmed Owens' death on Monday.

"The 49ers family has suffered a great loss with the passing of R.C. Owens," 49ers Owner and Chairman John York said. "Long after his days as a player were over, his devotion to the organization remained strong. R.C. was an ever-present supporter of the 49ers Foundation and did great works with the community at large. The San Francisco 49ers and our faithful fans will forever be grateful for his contributions and he will be sincerely missed."

The 6-foot-3 Owens, a college basketball star at the College of Idaho, also played two seasons for the Baltimore Colts, and his final year was with the New York Giants in 1964. H e had 206 career receptions for 3,285 yards and 22 touchdowns. He also ran for a score.

Owens was selected by the 49ers in the 14th round - 160th overall - of the 1956 draft.

After retirement, Owens worked from 1979-2001 for the 49ers in a variety of positions, including director of training camp and director of alumni relations. The 49ers said he loved his role of entertaining and caring for players' families while the players practiced.

When San Francisco held training camp in Stockton from 1998-02, Owens started a summer reading program in schools while doubling as the 49ers training camp director. That program recruited more than 10,000 kids from San Joaquin County into reading programs. Current and former players have kept such reading programs in place, including one at Shasta Elementary in Manteca, where he lived.

Owens was born on Nov. 12, 1934. He is survived by his wife, Susan.

JANIE McCAULEY, AP Sports Writer


Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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R.C was one of the kindest people I have ever met and a very dear person that made dreams come true .

R. C. had a great presence about him. My son, and R.C.'s son, Kelvin, were on the same AYSO soccer team in Belmont in the late 70's. R.C. was so full of enthusiasm on the sidelines. His encouragement to his son, Kelvin, along the sidelines was so inspirational to watch. Truly a great father. R.I.P., R.C. I will always cherish your friendship.

My dad, Ted Shannon, was a teammate of Mr. Owens and always spoke very highly of him. Dad passed a week ago and I have been researching his early life. I have heard many stories over the years. That was a very precious time for my dad. Maybe R.C. and dad are talking football again. I like to think that. RIP

I was just thinking about RC and looked him up online only to find he died 7 years ago. I am so sorry to hear this. We were classmates at the College of Idaho and had many long conversations. He was very much a part of my life there. I hope his wife and any other of his family have fared well. Patricia Rowe

Such a great man, I loved doing the United Way Commercial with him back on the '80s. Praying for his family and keeping all of you in my thoughts. I talk about doing that commercial often. It was a great memory for me .

RIP RC.

Angela Piazza, Redwood City, CA. :-)

I hope Rollie is with you.

still so difficult - so many things I need your advise on - so many memories - you will be always the love that is my soul & heart.

ALOHA RC MEET YOU BACK IN THE DAYS 1980'S YOU WHERE SUCH A WARM AND LOVING MAN TO ME AND MY WIFE. ALSO EXTENDED YOUR HELP TO PROVIDED THE PEOPLE OF HAWAII A 49ER FAN CLUB BACK IN 1996. WE WHERE ABOUT TO REVIVE THE CLUB RECENTLY WHEN I GOT THE NEWS. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY . TO A GREAT MAN FATHER AND FRIEND AND FAVORITE SON OF SAN FRANCISCO RC OWENS MAY YOU REST IN A PARADISE

He truly was an inspiration to many. His joy of life touched everyone that had the opportunity to meet him. Kindest thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. He will be missed.