Thomas Edgar Owens

Thomas Edgar Owens, 61, of Independence, Va., passed away Saturday, August 15, 2009, at his residence. He was born November 14, 1947, at Independence, Va. to the late Thomas F. and Opal Virginia Higgins Owens. He graduated from Independence High School and Milligan College, Elizabethton, Tenn. He was a coach and teacher for 37 years at Grayson County High School and a United States Army Reserve Veteran. Surviving, one brother, William R. "Reedy" Owens, of the home; one uncle; two aunts; and numerous cousins; four special caregivers, Shirley Dixon, Melissa Taylor, Becky Williams and Lori Eller. The body is at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home, Independence, Va. Funeral service will be conducted 2:30 p.m. Monday, August 17, 2009, in Reins-Sturdivant Chapel, Independence, Va., interment to follow at Independence Cemetery. The Rev. Eddie Roland, the Rev. Terri Gregory and the Rev. David Osborne officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2:30 p.m. on Monday prior to the funeral service and at other times at the residence, 319 Hilltop Dr., Independence, Va. In lieu of flowers, the family sincerely asks that memorial contributions be made to Grayson County High School, Athletic Department, P.O. Box 190, Independence, Va. 24348 or Twin County Hospice, P.O. Box 106, Galax, Va. 24333. Arrangements by ReinsSturdivant Funeral Home, Independence, Va.