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BORN
1936
DIED
2019
Buddy Owens Obituary
October 8, 1936 - June 13, 2019
Raleigh
A native of Marion, NC, he served in the US Army from 1954-1962 where he met his wife, Irene of 62 years. His service included one year in Korea at the end of the Korean War.
He was a lifelong proponent of civil rights and constitutional freedoms. This journey began as a freedom marcher in the 1960's in opposition to racism and ended with 20 years as President of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.
He was self employed with ventures including Owens Motor Co, OCS and TriCec LLC.
He was a deep thinker with a lively sense of humor who always enjoyed a debate.
He is survived by his wife Irene Pringle Owens, son Mark Owens and granddaughter Kayla of Raleigh, daughter Martha Stallings (David), grandchildren Ellen Carter (Matt), Addison, and Elisa Stallings of Hendersonville and brother Eual Owens of Old Fort, NC.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Buddy Owens
Albert Pacer
June 20, 2020
Dear Irene, I had tried unsuccessfully to call Buddy the last several months. Decided to do a search today (6/20/2020) and found out that he had passed. Buddy was one of my (few) favorite people! I enjoyed his dedication and company at AU meetings. He took probably the best ever photo of me at the Raleigh reorganization meeting back when. I am deeply saddened by "our" loss. Best condolences, Al Pacer
Charles Chambers
June 12, 2020
America needs more citizens like my Friend Buddy. I wish I could have spent time with him in settings other than work. But don't get me wrong, a work encounter with him was enjoyable!
Dietrich Koch
June 23, 2019
I have just learned of Buddy's passing and am sad for the loss of a special person that I admired and cared for. Buddy hired me as a young mechanic in 1971, sent me to Saab school and later to Citroen school also. It was a special experience to work for him and be around those cars. I learned a lot from Buddy and he always treated me very well. I wish I had made the time to visit him in recent years and just spend a little time as a friend. My condolences to Irene and the whole family also.
2003 Debbie's porch with Rhett
Cindi and Tom Trowbridge
June 23, 2019
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. I always loved Buddy's e-mails and admired his loyalty to ideals and freedom. He will be missed
Ray Owens
June 20, 2019
RIP dearest uncle. You are and will always be deeply missed .
Luv from your nephew Ray.
Charles Chambers
June 18, 2019
I saw the obituary, and memories came rushing back. Buddy used to call on us at the Mallinckrodt plants. He was so helpful and cheerful. He always had a joke for me and a thought to ponder after he left. My best to all his Family, as I know he will be missed.
Charles Chambers
919-556-7191
June 17, 2019
Irene,
I am so sorry for your loss.
I hope that the remodeling work we did years ago made life more pleasant for both of you. I always enjoyed working with Buddy and I will miss him and his BMW stories.
Chris Rappl
June 17, 2019
My sincere condolences. May our heavenly Father, the God of all comfort, sustain you at this time of such great loss and sorrow - 2Thessalonians 2:16, 17.
R F
June 17, 2019
To the family, sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing the gift that our loving heavenly father gives. That gift is found at Romans chapter 6 verse 23.
June 14, 2019
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your loved one. Jeremiah 29:11, 12 assures us that God is thinking thoughts of peace towards us, to give us a future and a hope, and that if we come and pray to Him, He will listen to us. May you have peace in this time of deep sorrow.
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