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BORN
1952
DIED
2021
Jerry Owens Obituary
He was born December 17, 1952 and was raised on the family farm in Dutch Valley. Jerry attended Cumberland College in Kentucky before becoming certified in the Operating Engineers Union, Local 917. He worked at Norris Dam State Park for more than twenty years before retiring in January 2016. Jerry was a kind and generous man who loved the outdoors, hunting, and fishing. He was a naturally talented musician who could pick up any instrument and play beautifully. Jerry was also gifted with people, never meeting a stranger, and making everyone feel comfortable and appreciated.
He spent his days after retirement watching the world go by from his front porch rocking chair in Kingston, TN with his beloved basset hound Honey Dew always nearby.
He will be remembered as a devoted life partner of 38 years to Harriet Walker, loving father to James Beard award-winning author Sarah Owens, doting brother to Susan Owens Dale, Diane Feeman Hicks, and Anthony Joe Owens, and former husband of Elizabeth Duncan. Other cherished surviving family members include aunt and uncle Drucilla and Ronald Craft and their family David and Donnette and Michael and Jill Craft, as well as nieces and nephews Chelsea and Justin Feeman and Jesse and Rachel Owens.
He is preceded in death by his mother Jeanette Day Owens and father Bill Wilson Owens, brother Lloyd Nolan 'Doc' Owens, and brother-in-law Michael Dale. We weren't ready to let him go but hope that his bright smile will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
A Celebration of Life service is planned for October 2nd, 2021 from 1-3pm at Shelter #2 in Norris Dam State Park.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Owens
1 Entry
Steven Seiber
July 9, 2022
Just now learning of this. I worked at the park for two summers and Jerry was a very funny man with a strong constitution. We asked him once why he didn't just buy bigger work pants since his were tight and he replied, "Well, way I figure it, is if I suffer a little bit, it'll make me want to lose some weight." He has a reason doe everything, it was generally for comedic value, though. I never saw him down or without a smile, if he didn't have a smile it was because he was deep in thought about a funny joke or comeback.
I appreciate the time I got to spend with Jerry and I'll always remember them. Thank you, Jerry.
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