Austin Ray Owens

Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL

Viewed: 1839

Posted by: Warren Holloway Ward FH
[email protected]
334-684-9999
Date: Jan 01 2021 2:05 PM

Austin Ray Owens, 72, our daddy, passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours of December 31, 2020.

Ray was born in Coffee County, Alabama on August 18, 1948 to J.W. Owens and Betty Jean Grimes Penn.

He is survived by his children, Dana Kay Wooten (Shannon), Daphne Rae Beagles (Chuck), Deidra Grant Thomas (Chris), April Dawn Wilks (Bart), Jessie Owens and Josie Owens; his grandchildren, Danielle, Gabrielle and Isabelle Rice, Brent Beagles (Amber), Blake Beagles (Heather), Bailey Beagles, Kade Grant (Haley), Karson Grant, Avery and Chloe Nance and Harper Kate Wilks; 4 great-grandchildren; a sister Kim Harrison (Larry); a niece and nephew, aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandchild John Clark Rice II; and a sister, Lynell Owens.

Ray graduated from Coffee Springs High School where he lettered in football and basketball and was voted most handsome of his senior class.

He spent most of his adult life farming the land where he grew up and building things with his hands. He enjoyed watching old westerns, hunting, fishing and riding horses, which he loved teaching to his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed playing softball and he pitched in many games, leagues and tournaments all over the southern United States. If you knew him, you know he did so with great passion as he was inarguably the best in his day. This was a talent he passed on to his children and grandchildren, and he was his happiest when watching them play.

Ray was an active member of the Masonic Lodge 664 in Chancellor since the early 1970’s and served as the Worshipful Master from 1995-1998. He was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star of Chancellor. In 1999, Ray was received, admitted and constituted a Noble of the Mystic Shrine of the Alcazar Temple in Montgomery, Alabama. He was dedicated and faithful to the works of the Shriners and doing kind deeds for people in need.

But mostly, he enjoyed being surrounded by his family. He was bigger than life to all who knew him. He was strength, grit, determination and the best smile there ever was, especially when he winked an eye. He will be dearly missed but always remembered, and his legacy will live on in his children and grandchildren and their children.

Visitation will be from 2:00–3:30 pm on Sunday January 3, 2021 at Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home, Geneva. Due to Covid, graveside services will be for family and close friends at ElBethel Baptist Church, Chancellor with pastors Larry Harrison and David Hingson officiating.

Pallbearers will be his grandchildren Brent, Blake and Bailey Beagles, Kade and Karson Grant and his only nephew, Hagen Smith.

Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. "Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.com 

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