Jennings Gerald Owens
June 12, 1931 — February 11, 2017
Jennings Gerald Owens, 85, died Saturday, February 11, 2017 at Scotland Memorial Hospital.
A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at the Gibson Baptist Church officiated by the Rev. David Benton, Rev. Del Parkerson and Robert Owens. Burial will follow in Pine Crest Cemetery.
Born June 12, 1931 in Marlboro County, SC he was the youngest child of the late Joseph & Lila Laffoday Owens.
He attended Wingate College in his earlier years, operated his family farm and was the Manager for Southern Gin and Fertilizer Company for 43 years. For 74 years, Gerald was involved in many different facets of Gibson Baptist Church serving as: a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, choir member, Brotherhood, RA boys’ leader, and Worship Music Leader. Gerald’s life centered around faith, family, friends, and his love for music. Although his greatest joy was serving the Lord through his church, his family was his true earthly prize.
Gerald, seen through the eyes of many as a true “Southern Gentleman” extended his love for others through his involvement in his community. This was reflected through his effort to help establish: Brightsville Volunteer Fire Department and support for the Brightsville Community Development Association. As a firm believer in good stewardship, his farm roots led to a Conservationist of the Year award and his charter membership of the National Cotton Council.
He is survived by his daughters, Rennie Hunsucker (Guy) of Bennettsville and Cecilia Pearson (Randy) of Gibson; his grandchildren, Rebecca McCollum, Joseph Hunsucker, and Lindsey Byrd; his great grandson, Luke McCollum; an unborn great grandchild, Kase Hunsucker; and his K-9 companion, Jan.
He was also preceded in death by: his wife of 61 years, Thena Owens; brother, William “Bill” Owens; and sister, Phila Williams.
The family will receive friends from 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at the Gibson Baptist Church.
Memorials are requested for the Gibson Baptist Church, PO Box 408, Gibson, NC 28343.
McDougald Funeral Home and Crematorium is serving the Owens family.