Robert Austin Owens, Sr.

FLORENCE – Robert Austin Owens, Sr., 80, went to be with the Lord on June 30, 2017. He was born in Marion County to the late Lawrence B. Owens and Fannie Pamplin Owens, the youngest of their nine children.He graduated from Marion High School and served in the South Carolina National Guard. He retired from CSX Railroad with over 30 years of service.Bob was an active member of Oakdale Baptist Church where he enjoyed participating in outreach and service projects. He also enjoyed golf, classic car shows, Bible study and Gamecock football.He was predeceased by his wife, Gladys C. Owens.He is survived by his children, Debbie (Ken) Jackson of Florence, Robbie (Ann Elizabeth) Owens of Darlington, John (Melissa) Owens of Mount Pleasant, Joel (Margie) Lee of Florence and William Lee and Ed Kelly of Columbia; grandchildren, Emily Jackson, Tyler Jackson, Austin Owens, Holly Owens, Jennifer (Brad) Owens, and great-granddaughter Hannah Owens. He is also survived by his sister, Lillie Trayser of Atlanta, GA.Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 5, 2017, at Bethea Baptist Church in the Bethea Baptist Retirement Community. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Florence Memorial Gardens, directed by Waters-Powell Funeral Home.Memorials may be made to Oakdale Baptist Church, 3760 Southborough Road, Florence, SC 29501; or Bethea Baptist Community, 157 Home Avenue, Darlington, SC 29532.The family is most grateful to the caring staff at Bethea Baptist Assisted Living and Skilled Care, and McLeod Hospice for their kindness and dedication.