Miles L. Owens

Miles L. Owens, born on April 20, 1940, in Knott County, Kentucky, passed away on January 4, 2025, in Dade County, Florida. He grew up in Dayton, Ohio, and later made his home in Rocky Top, Tennessee. A hardworking entrepreneur, devoted family man, and spirited storyteller, Miles lived a life filled with adventure, determination, and a keen sense of humor.

Raised in Dayton, Ohio, Miles went to Northridge High School (Class of 1958), studied at Alice Lloyd College (Class of 1959), and earned an Associate Degree from Sinclair Community College. He served as a Trooper with the Ohio State Highway Patrol for 18 years before stepping into a variety of roles that reflected his boundless curiosity and entrepreneurial drive-working as a manager at Inland, a division of General Motors; owning Mountain Lake Campground and Marina in Rocky Top, Tennessee; serving as a Private Investigator for Sunderland & Moore; and running both Owens Enterprises and Feelings Florist.



Miles was a true Renaissance man, a bourbon connoisseur, tennis player, and boating enthusiast. He was passionate about Native American heritage, loved horses and firearms, and possessed an uncanny knack for fixing or improving just about anything-often making him fashionably late for dinner. He was fond of casinos, Western movies, mystery TV, and audiobooks. He was known for his quick wit, "bad jokes," and the beloved gathering spot he called the "Just One More" patio.

Miles was also a skilled musician who played upright bass in a band during high school. He loved Ohio State and Tennessee football, enjoyed traveling out West, and rarely missed an auction where he aimed for-and often snagged-the low bid. He was never without a toothpick after dinner, always drove using both feet at once, a mischievous grin and a rye sense of humor.



Miles was preceded in death by his father, Miles M. Owens (d. 1984), and his mother, Elizabeth Owens (d. 1998); siblings Eleanor (Owens) Starline (d. 1973), Reginald Owens (d. 1997), Tom Owens (d. 2002), and Glenda (Owens) Waggoner (d. 2019); former wives Joey Maxwell Hooper (d. 2015) and Jan (Cross) Owens (d. 2011); his son Myles A. Owens III (d. 2015); and stepsons Brad Wade (d. 2011) and Jerry Cooney (d. 2013).



He is survived by his sister, Dr. Bobby (Owens) Starnes, and his fiancée and caregiver, Kitty Bridges. He leaves behind his son Joe Owens (wife Tammy), and grandchildren Zachary and Sam Owens; his late son Myles A. Owens III's family-wife Patty Owens and their children Bianca (Owens) Shambley and great-grandchildren Jay and Sout, Myles Owens IV, and Grayson Owens; his late stepson Brad Wade's family-wife Amy (Koziel) Harman and children Bryce and Lilly Wade; and his late stepson Jerry Cooney's family-wife Kendra Cooney and daughters Laura and Jenna Cooney. Kitty Bridges's daughters, Sonjia Rainey and Tyrene Pooler, and grandchildren Amy Hennessy, Chelsie Leatherwood, Allison Lowe, Harvey Lowe, and of course, Pap's Ragamuffins.

Dan Pooler and Gary Harman were instrumental in Miles's care and were always patient, allowing him to offer advice while they were working. Brenda Startwalt was equally, if not more, patient with Miles over thirty years as his "adopted daughter" and dear family friend.

Funeral or Memorial Services

Miles did not want a traditional funeral or service. Instead, he asked that everyone gather on April 20, 2025, which would have been his 85th birthday. An update on the birthday party will be posted on owens63.com.



Miles L. Owens's family and friends will always cherish his ability to "hold court," his boundless devotion and his knack for making any gathering feel larger than life. May his memory live on in the stories told, the jokes shared, and his deep love for all those around him.