Wiley C. OWEN

Family-Placed Death Notice

OWEN, Wiley C. Wiley C. (W.C.) Owen, Rome, GA died Friday, June 28 in a local hospital following a brief illness. Born November 17, 1929 in Buford, GA, he was the son of William Clyde Owen and Clara Lou Stargel Owen. Moving to Atlanta in 1935, he attended Atlanta public schools and graduated from Boys' High School in 1947. He graduated from the University of Georgia with two degrees in 1956 and 1957. While a student he was active with many organizations but was known for his many comedy solos with the University's Men's Glee Club. He was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity, Kappa Tau Alpha honorary journalism fraternity and others. He was elected to Who's Who In American Colleges and Universities and served as Music Librarian for the University Music Department for 4 ½ years. Moving to Rome in 1958 he was librarian for four years at West Rome High School and worked in Rome's Carnegie Library part-time. While still pursuing a masters degree in librarianship at Emory University he was named director of the Carnegie Library in Rome and later served as associate director for the Sara Hightower Library retiring in 1996. Active in many musical groups, civic organizations, and arts activities he was well-known for his acting and musical talent, sharing them in theater, clubs and church. He was a member of the St. Peter's Episcopal Church Choir for 55 years. He was an avid fan of Jane Austen and was a founding member of JASNA--Jane Austen Society of North America. He was also an avid supporter of anything "Dawgs"-the Georgia Bulldogs. He is survived by brothers: Larry L. (Liz) Owen, Sarasota, FL; Cary B. (Norma) Owen, Lawrenceville, GA; nieces and nephews; a host of cousins and many special friends. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Rome, with visitation and reception following the service. Daniel's Funeral Home, Rome