Jerry Clark Owens

Jerry Clark Owens, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2025 in Bluffton, South Carolina, at the age of 86. He was born on March 20, 1939, in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, to the late Ethel Leigh Killebrew and Abram Columbus Owens.

Jerry is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Sylvia Ann Ray Owens, and his loving sisters, Carolyn Owens and Mary Odom, along with their children, Carma-Lynn Russo and Crystal Peele. He leaves behind a proud legacy through his four children and their spouses: Angelo Owens (Claire), Ray Owens (Lisa), Steven Owens (Cindy), and Angela Davis (Mark).

A man deeply devoted to his family, Jerry was blessed with a large and vibrant extended family of grandchildren: Alex Owens, Katey Goodwin, Sarah Donnelly, Ashley Balch, Ryan Owens, Abbey Lamee, Matt Owens, Ashley Garner, Forrest Garner, Jamie Owens, Ashley Landes, Ricky Spaulding, Austin Owens, Hannah Davis, Abigail Davis, and Emma Davis, as well as 20 great-grandchildren who brought him immense joy.

A proud U.S. Army veteran, Jerry served his country for more than 23 years, attaining the rank of Major. He was a veteran of foreign wars, having served in Vietnam and been stationed overseas in Saudia Arabia. Demonstrating his lifelong commitment to learning, Jerry earned his undergraduate, master’s, and doctorate degree while serving in the military and raising his family. Upon retiring from the Army, he began a second career as Director of Human Resources for Richmond Public Schools, serving from 1977 to 1992.

Jerry’s curiosity and craftsmanship were ever-present in his life. A skilled carpenter, he spent many years renovating and flipping houses in the Richmond area. He also operated his own driving school, combining his sense of discipline and teaching spirit. His love of adventure and history led him to travel extensively driving the full Lewis and Clark route, visiting numerous historic sites, and embarking on cruises across the Caribbean, Central Europe, and the Mediterranean with Sylvia. He loved books and was an avid reader throughout his life.

Known for his humor, warmth, and lively spirit, Jerry was the heart of family gatherings, especially the large Thanksgiving celebrations that grew along with his family. His unmistakable love of music and dancing, and his signature pipe and cigar smoke, and his enthusiasm for classic and exotic cars will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.

Jerry was laid to rest with military honors at the Beaufort National Cemetery in Beaufort, South Carolina, among fellow veterans and their spouses.

He will be remembered for his unwavering love of family, his service to country, his boundless curiosity, and his zest for life. His memory lives on in the countless lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Habitat for Humanity in his name