William Bert Owens

William Bert Owens, 89, of Bristol, Va., passed away on Thursday, December 20, 2018, at his home after a long illness. 

Bert was a native of Damascus, Va. and was the son of the late Clyde and Pearl Owens. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert and Jack, as well as by four sisters: Mildred Louise, Lillian Parker, Ruth McVey, and Retha Ganoe.  Bert was also preceded in death by his beloved son, David. 

He is survived by his wife and childhood sweetheart of 68 years, Irene Parker Owens; two daughters, Susan O. Williams and husband Harry of Blountville, Tenn,. and Linda Salyer and husband Dennis of Bristol, Va.; five grandchildren:  Drew Salyer and wife Katie; Emily Salyer Dennis and husband Will; Megan Williams Jamison and husband Chris; Devin Williams Hancock and husband,Jonathan; and Mitch Owens. Bert is also survived by a special daughter-in-law, Karen Owens Brickey and husband, John; his dear brother, John and wife Terry; several nieces and nephews; and six great-grandchildren: Elizabeth and Julia Dennis, Grant and Reid Salyer, and Hatton and Rowe Jamison. 

Bert loved sports, especially baseball. He pitched for his high school team, the Damascus Beavers, and for his Air Force Military Service League while stationed in Germany. His favorite baseball story was being rejected after making the final cut by the famous Connie Mack who scouted and managed the Philadelphia Athletics around 1945. He joined the Air Force at age 21 as a skilled machinist. While working in Maintenance Squadrons Service hanger he designed a cost saving tool to service the landing gear of the T-33 aircraft. After returning from service duty, he went on to retire from Raytheon after 30 years as a machine shop Supervisor. 

He helped to organize the Washington County Virginia Little League baseball program, followed by the Little League football program. He was devoted to coaching and helping to teach the children the fundamentals of the games. After retirement, he joined his brothers, Robert and Jack, in designing and building the Deerfield Golf Course on the family farm. They were proud to have the course serve as the practice course for Holston High School golf team. 

As an adult, Bert became a member of the Church of Christ, and after attending the Shady Valley Tennessee Church, he helped to establish the Laurel Church of Christ by holding services in his home until a building could be obtained. After moving to Bristol, he attended East Bristol Church of Christ and was a member of the Abingdon Church of Christ at the time of his death. He and his wife helped to organize the Young at Heart group for area churches. 

The family wishes to thank our special “angel” Connie Daggs and all the dedicated staff at Brookdale Senior Care Living Center. 

The Owens family will receive friends from noon until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, December 26, 2018, in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Park in Damascus, Va. with Minister Bill Haywood and Minister Joe Scroggin officiating.  There will be no procession from the funeral home; everyone is asked to meet at the cemetery.  Pallbearers will be John Brickey, Will Dennis, Jonathan Hancock, Chris Jamison, Mitch Owens, and Drew Salyer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the “Bear Outreach Program” at Abingdon Church of Christ, 19508 Dennison Drive, Abingdon, VA; cancerresearch.org, or the charity of your choice. 

Those wishing to share memories or messages of sympathy may do so online by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. The family of William Bert Owens is in the care of the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210 (276-623-2700).