Richard Marvin Owens, 80, passed away on Monday, Sept. 27, 2021, at his home in Waynesville, N.C., surrounded by his children.
He was a native of Graham County, born in Rhymers Ferry, the son of the late Harry Joe and Lucille Massey Owens. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Janice Owens Wiggins.
Richard was a 1959 graduate of Mountain View High School. After graduation, he attended Western Carolina University on a basketball scholarship. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army after graduation. When his term ended, he returned to Haywood County to attend AB Tech, where he earned his degree as a tool and die maker.
Richard worked for various tool companies before opening his own business, Mountaineer Precision Tool & Mold, Inc. in Waynesville. He served as the President from 1973-1999. Upon closing his business, he was employed by the N.C. Department of Transportation as a shop foreman from 2000-05.
Richard was a longtime member of the BPOE No. 1769, Waynesville Lodge, and was honored by members and officers by being presented with the Distinguished Lifetime Membership Award. Richard’s retirement brought many happy days on the golf course and many miles traveled on his Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Richard is survived by his four children – all of Waynesville, N.C. – Marty Owens and his wife, Michelle, Joe Owens, E. J. Owens Plott and her husband Monte, and Ashley Owens Rutkosky; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild, Taylor Owens, Nicholas Owens, his wife Anna Clair and daughter Penelope Grace Owens, Kelly Massie, Daniel Massie, Harry Owens and Sebren Owens; and one sister, Pat Owens Rogers, of Waynesville, N.C.
A memorial service was held at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021, in the Waynesville chapel of Wells Funeral Home. A reception followed the service at Wells Events and Reception Center.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the:
Children’s Christmas at the Waynesville Elks Lodge (BPOE No. 1769 Waynesville Lodge)
510 Dellwood Road Waynesville, NC 28786.
The care of Mr. Owens was entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.
An online memorial register is available at wellsfuneralhome.com.