Thomas "Sandy" Owings, III

Thomas "Sandy" Owings, III, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, fraternity brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at age 90 on Saturday, September 13, 2025, surrounded by family.

A long-time Atlanta resident and respected custom homebuilder since 1969, Tom was also an avid outdoorsman and sports enthusiast. He loved deep-sea fishing in Gulf Shores, skiing, dove hunting, cheering on his Crimson Tide, and golf at the Atlanta Athletic Club. Nobody loved life more - he had countless friends, and all will remember him by his laugh.

Born in Columbus, OH, in December 1934 to Thomas and Henrian Emerson Owings, he grew up in Montgomery, AL, graduating from Lanier High in 1952. At the University of Alabama, he joined Phi Gamma Delta, a brotherhood he cherished for life. He then served in the Marines, earning the distinction of the USMC's first 'Marine of the Month,' before returning to graduate in 1960.

Tom met his wife of 63 years, Jackie Reilly Owings of Mobile, AL, while working for Pillsbury, later moving to New Orleans in the concession supply business. Always interested in construction, he followed a fraternity brother's suggestion to move to Atlanta and begin building homes - a passion he carried through his final days.

Tom and Jackie built a wonderful life together with four children: Thomas Owings, IV (Mary Pitcher), Ashley Methvin (Brad), Lesley Chambers, and Cynthia Owings. He is also survived by his sister, Judy Owings Derickson of Montgomery, AL, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

His greatest joy was time with his 10 grandchildren - "Pop" delighted in their accomplishments and bright futures: Carrie, Nikki, and Allie Owings; Ben and Thomas Methvin; Owen, Melanie, and Erica Chambers; and Emerson and Reilly Ann Fay.

A Mass celebrating Tom's life will be held Friday, September 26, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Brendan Catholic Church, 4633 Shiloh Road, Cumming, GA, with a reception to follow. Owings, III, Thomas "Sandy"