Bill OWENS

Family-Placed Death Notice

OWENS, Bill Bill Owens (David William Graham Owens) passed away peacefully on Friday June 21, 2013. Bill, of St Simons Island, is survived by his wife of 43 years, Elizabeth Owens; his son Graham Owens (Ada); his daughter Sarah Jarvis (Zach); his grandchildren Arthur Owens (5 months), Beatrice Jarvis (6), Elizabeth Jarvis (3), and Henry Jarvis (11 months); his sister Judy Owens Earl; his nieces DeeDee Scharf and Christy Davis; and his mother-in-law Virginia Baxter. He is predeceased by his mother, Mimi Owens; his father, John Owens; and his brother John Owens, who passed away in March of this year, also of cancer. Born in Miami, Florida in 1946, Bill grew up in Atlanta, across the street from Elizabeth Baxter, his 5th grade sweetheart and first girl he ever kissed; they married in 1969 and then moved to New Haven together where he finished his last year at Yale University, majoring in English. In 1974 they moved to Inman Park in Atlanta and became part of the early urban pioneers in the renovation of downtown Atlanta; they moved to St Simons Island in 1995. Music was Bill's passion; he was a prolific songwriter and consummate musician. He taught himself to play the guitar, a gift from his beloved mother, at just 10 years old. He met Keenan Carter in 1982 and became one half of the successful duo Ziggy Mahoney; they played over 3,000 nights together. For those that remember those nights, they will remember Bill as an amazing guitar and banjo player, and singer. An aficionado of all good music, Bill loved everything from Bach to Jimmy Buffet. He could wax long about the merits of cat gut strings to carol music from the 16th century; he became so proficient on the guitar that to relax at home, he played classical music on the guitar. His family misses hearing his guitar and his voice. Bill was also an erudite scholar and purveyor of the esoteric; he was a true man of letters who loved knowledge and learning, as well as the proper use of semi-colons. Bill thoroughly enjoyed discussing all of life's subjects from politics to music to polemics to movies to the Falcons and Braves. Those who conversed with him often left feeling enlightened; most also had a least one or two words to look up in the dictionary later. Bill will be remembered for his music, his wit and intelligence, his passion for knowledge and good causes, his complete inability to get anywhere on time, and his devotion to his wife, Elizabeth. His love for his wife was written into many of his songs and was part of who he was. Bill died as he lived, peacefully and surrounded by love. He died at home with his family by his side, a true circle of life with his grandsons, children and wife holding his hands and talking with him throughout his passing. It was a special and beautiful moment. The family will hold a celebration of Bill's life on Sunday June 30th starting at 2pm in their home. All those that loved Bill are invited. In lieu of flowers, please donate in memory of Bill Owens to Hospice of the Golden Isles, 1692 Glynco Pkwy, Brunswick, GA 31525.