Photo courtesy of Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory - Valdese
Valdese, North Carolina
Dec 10, 1956 – Dec 10, 2019 (Age 63)
William David Owens III, 63, of Valdese, passed away December 10, 2019 following a brief illness. David was born on December 10, 1956 in Burke County to the late William "Bill" Owens, Jr. and Sue Searcy Owens. He graduated in the first class from East Burke High School and earned a BS in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. David started Southern Computer in 1999, where his computer expertise helped him gain a loyal customer base. He was a lifelong member of Waldensian Presbyterian Church, where he was an elder and enjoyed serving in the choir and handbell ministries, and served as the Treasurer of Valdese Rotary Club of Valdese for many years. David's exuberance for life, his passion for music, his curious mind, his keen wit, and his love for his friends defined him. In recent years, he discovered a talent for piloting drone aircraft. His quadcopter was a familiar sight around Valdese, especially during special events. His aerial photography was often featured on local and regional newscasts. Survivors include his beloved daughter, Sarah, of the home, numerous Searcy and Owens cousins, and his many friends. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. at the Waldensian Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Dr. Kevin Frederick officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the church narthex. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Waldensian Presbyterian Church, 109 Main St. E., Valdese, NC 28690.
I was and still am so saddened to hear of David's passing. I was just reminiscing about the last time I saw Dave during our Valdese High School reunion around five years ago. He was in good humor and hadn't changed since high school. I just felt the need to say something in his honor these belated years later.
Bert Burgess
July 11, 2022 | Hickory, NC | Friend
Dear Sarah, I am so sorry about the passing of your dad. He was such a fun person! Please accept my sincere sympathy. Remembering you in prayer. Mrs. Norma Rains
Norma Rains
January 01, 2020 | Valdese, NC | Friend
Big Dave was my first college roommate, and J-701 Hess Hall at UT Knoxville was the room we called home. I learned to enjoy his Jerry Jeff Walker and he learned to enjoy my Earth Wind and Fire and Ohio Players. We enjoyed a lot of Saturdays in Neyland Stadium and a lot of sub sandwiches from Sam and Andy's Deli. As the years went by, Dave and I stayed in touch sharing old memories and new stories.
Needless to say, I was heartbroken to hear of his passing. My years in UT...
Paul Morris
December 16, 2019 | Memphis, TN | Friend
Sarah I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad was a very special person. Loved him dearly. I will be praying for you. Love you
Angela Lail
December 15, 2019 | Morganton, NC | Family Friend
Laissez le bon tons roulez sweet cousin from your crazy Texas cousin. You will forever live in my heart. Loved you to the moon and back. Soar like an eagle on Gossamer wings .
Paula Sistrunk
December 13, 2019 | Orange, TX | Family
I knew David for over 25 years since Betsy and I originally moved to North Carolina. Later when I entered the ministry I had occasion to call on David several times for repairs to the computers at my church and my personal computers at home. Knowing that the computers were vital to me in my church work, David never charged me even one cent for the hours that he put in to help me. I even traveled with him chasing trains in his quest to film them with his quad-copter. He was a true friend and a...
Ken Humphreys Humphreys
December 13, 2019 | Morganton, NC | Friend
David was a great guy! Wonderful personality. I knew David all my life. You would be hard pressed to find anyone who didn't like him. I will miss him. My best to Sara.
Dennis Parise
December 13, 2019 | Morganton, NC | Friend
Sarah, I am so sorry for your loss. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers as face the difficult days ahead.
Lori Church
December 13, 2019 | Las Vegas, NV | Friend
Always in my heart....
Libby Bowman
December 12, 2019 | Half Way, MO
