Hobert Verdry Owens

1921 - 2011

Hobert Verdry Owens

Hobert was born and grew up in Bristol, Florida and in the surrounding area where his love for the outdoors grew with each passing year. His love for fishing and hunting was renowned. He attended and graduated 12th grade from Liberty County High School in 1939.

Soon after he graduated High School, he was employed by the State Road Department (SRD) as a laborer. His career with SRD was interrupted when there was a greater need by his country and he enlisted in the Army, where he served from January 8, 1941-August 15, 1945. It would not be long before the young man from Liberty County would trade the sand where he had made so many tracks for the sand in North Africa.

While in his country 's service, he was wounded in battle twice but refused the Purple Heart both times, "I was not hurt bad enough, there were men hurt much worse and deserved it much more." While on the beachhead on Anzio, Italy he was awarded the Bronze Star for valor.

As WWII was completed, he made his way back to Tallahassee and returned to work at SRD. Soon after, he met the love of his life, Syble Ray Davis and they were married on March 15, 1946. They had four children: John H. Owens, Ronald E. Owens, Sandra A. Owens (Stone) and Michael V. Owens.

He continued his employment with SRD/DOT and in 1983, he retired after 41 years of service. As Resident Engineer, his responsibility was the building and improving most of the state roads in Tallahassee and surrounding counties. His crowning jewel is I-10

from Apalachicola River Bridge to the eastern Jefferson county line.

After retirement he and Syble moved to Sopchoppy where they have lived until his passing on May 19, 2011.

Family will receive friends at Bevis Funeral Home, Harvey-Young Chapel, Sunday, May 22, 2011 from 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Monday, May 23, 2011 at 3:00 P.M. at Sopchoppy Southern Baptist Church, 117 Curtis Mill Road, Sopchoppy. Burial will follow at West Sopchoppy Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years: Syble R. (Davis) Owens. Son and wife: John and Mary Ann Owens of Curtis Mills. Daughter and husband: Sandra A. and Michael A. Stone of Tallahassee. Son and wife: Michael V. and Patricia Owens of Nome, Alaska. Brothers: H. Odell Owens of Bristol and Billy Fred Owens of Carrabelle. Sister: Helen B. Reese of Apalachicola. Grandchildren: Levi Owens, Melanie Woodall, Matthew Owens, Alan Stone, Sarah Stark, Emily Stone, Melissa Owens, Michael Owens and five great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his father: Hobert Henry Owens, mother: Fannie Louise (Howell) Robinson, brother: J.H. Owens, son: Ronald E. Owens, grandson: Verdry L. Owens.

Bevis Funeral Home, Harvey-Young Chapel is in charge of arrangements, (850) 926-3333.