James "Jr" Robert Owensby

GASTONIA - James Robert "J.R." Owensby, 90, of Gastonia, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.

Born in Newport, Tennessee, on September 9, 1935, J.R. was the son of the late James Robert and Gussie Barnes Ownsby. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother and sister-in-law Herbert and Martha Ownsby, and his mother-in-law, Evelyn Stroupe.

J.R. was a dedicated worker, retiring from Freightliner in Mount Holly in 1998, but continued his passion for work at Toyota of Gastonia for over 20 years, up until the time of his passing.

His faith was central to his life. He was a long-time member of Grace Baptist Church in Gastonia and also attended East Garrison Baptist Church, where he cherished his Sunday School class. J.R. was a faithful and proud mason for over 60 years at the South Fork Masonic Lodge 0462. He was enlisted in the National Guard for over 11 years.

He had a remarkable zest for life and enjoyed many hobbies, including hunting, skeet shooting, and, in his younger years, running marathons and races and riding motorcycles.

J.R. was best known and loved for his wonderful and quirky sense of humor. He was always talking, telling jokes, and making people laugh, bringing smiles to everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Brenda Spargo Owensby; his daughter Jackie Grigg and husband, Tommy; his son Jamie Owensby and wife, Robin; and his only granddaughter Keisha Owensby Costner and husband, Matt. J.R. will be greatly missed by his family, his many friends, and his beloved dogs, Muffy, Mopsy, and Mattie.

The family would like to express their profound love and thankfulness to Toyota of Gastonia, especially the guys in the parts department, for loving and caring for J.R. just like their own family. Spike, Todd, Danny & Kim - Thank you.

Visitation: The family will receive friends on Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Greene Funeral Service - South Chapel; 1503 S. York Rd. Gastonia, NC 28052

Funeral Service: A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 1:30 PM in the sanctuary of Dallas Church of God. Reverend David MacEachern of Grace Baptist Church and Reverend Charles Ledford of East Garrison Baptist Church will be officiating. Interment will follow the service at Gaston Memorial Park, Gastonia.

Memorials: Memorials may be made to Grace Baptist Church at 2200 Auten Road, Gastonia, NC 28054, or to East Garrison Baptist Church at 1226 East Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054.

Condolences may be made online at www.greenefuneral.com