Roger Wilson Owens

Roger Wilson Owens, 88, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 18th, 2026. He was surrounded by his loving family which was the center and joy of his life. Roger was born in Lewistown, PA on January 5, 1938, the son of the late Kenneth Blake Owens and Francis Ritter Owens. He graduated from Lewistown High School in 1955, and from Penn State University with a BA in Business Administration, where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity and a member of the PSU wrestling team. He has been a lifetime member of the Penn State Alumni Association, and an avid PSU football fan.

Roger started his long and successful IBM career in Pittsburgh, PA in 1962 holding regional management positions in Chicago, Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Charlotte, London, and again in Charlotte where he retired in 2000. During those years he was recognized as an exceptional leader by IBM executives, his employees and managers, and his customers, and on his 25-year anniversary was presented the coveted IBM President's Trophy. After retiring from IBM, he held the positions of President of Broadway & Seymour in Charlotte, and President of Systematics Financial Services in Little Rock, AR.

Roger arrived in Charlotte in 1980 and was quickly welcomed into the Charlotte community and invited to participate in many leadership positions. He served on the Board of Directors for The Charlotte Symphony, The United Way, The Charlotte Chamber, Charlotte Speech and Hearing, and the Charlotte Athletic Club. He also led annual fund drives for The United Way and The Symphony, as well as served as the Board Chairman of the NASCAR World 600 Festival and Vice Chairman of the development committee to build the new North Carolina Performing Arts Center. His enthusiasm and love for Charlotte was genuine and contagious, and he was always known as a man with a "can do" attitude.

Roger was a sports enthusiast and an active outdoorsman, and he loved spending time in Aspen, Colorado with his best friend and family skiing, hiking, fishing, and hunting. He was a member of Quail Hollow Club for many years and enjoyed playing golf and tennis with family and friends. He was also a ping pong legend, a competitive tradition at family gatherings.

He stayed active and competitive after retirement and at age 67, some much younger Charlotte business friends convinced him that he could still climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, and so he did! Roger and Marcy traveled far and wide for business, pleasure, and the Lord's work, visiting many countries and all 50 states, enjoying the experiences along the way.

Calvary Church has been his church home since he arrived in Charlotte 46 years ago. He has served in multiple roles and was truly honored to be asked by then Senior Pastor Dr. Ross Rhoads to serve as the Chairman of the "To Tell of His Works" campaign to build the beautiful new Calvary Church. Roger was one of the original members of the "Band of Brothers" weekly Bible study that was founded 28 years ago by Pastor Rhoads, and the 'Brothers' have been a great source of spiritual growth and fellowship for him.

After retirement, Roger searched for opportunities to serve His Lord, and that became a primary focus of his life. He was a Board member at JAARS for nine years, a founding Board member of the Wycliffe Foundation for four years, a Board member of the Wycliffe Presidents Council for seven years, and an active staff participant for three years in the Wycliffe Last Languages Campaign.

Roger's love of God, strong faith, work ethic, service to others, positivity, and love for family were a model for his children and grandchildren. He was a loving husband and father, a loyal friend, an encouraging leader, and had a special ability to bring joy and laughter to people and places. He left an indelible mark on his extended family and friends who loved him dearly, his IBM and church families, and the Charlotte community.

Roger is survived by his cherished wife of 47 years, Marcia Dusseau Owens; five children: Lisa Gould (Garland), Jennifer Appleby (Wayne), Gregory Owens (fiancée Ginnie), Debra Owens, and Michael Owens (Hannah); six grandchildren: Christian Gould, Camille Buben (Ben), Chloe Appleby (fiancé Joe), Grace Gould, Will Owens, and Leena Owens; his two brothers: Tom Owens (Melissa) and Scott Owens (Dannette); his in-laws Debby Cordell (Hank); Chip Dusseau (Diane); Deanna Pierce (Randy); and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A service to celebrate Roger's life, conducted by Pastor John Munro will be held at Calvary Church at 5801 Pineville-Matthews Rd. in Charlotte, NC in the Sanctuary at 1:00pm on Monday, March 2, 2026. Family members will arrive early to receive friends between 12:00pm and 12:45pm prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, Roger has requested that donations be made directly to Calvary Church, Wycliffe Bible Translators, or Samaritan's Purse.

Calvary Church

5801 Pineville–Matthews Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28226 https://www.calvarychurch.com/giving

Wycliffe Bible Translators

PO Box 628200

Orlando, FL 32862

https://www.wycliffe.org/donate

Samaritan's Purse

PO Box 3000

Boone, NC 28607

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/donate-online/