William "Billy" Francis Owens

William Francis Owens, affectionately known as Billy to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2025, at the age of 87, at Hospice of Randolph in Asheboro.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Cedar Grove Baptist Church, 3012 Old NC Hwy. 49, Asheboro, NC 27205, officiated by Pastor Marty Grainger. Burial will follow at Bright-Stubbs Cemetery, Hwy. 79, Bennettsville, SC 29572. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church.

Born July 27, 1938, in Marlboro County, SC, he was the son of the late William James and Frances Odom Owens. Billy's life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to his family and community. He was a loving husband and a steadfast caregiver during his wife's illness. When his boys were younger, he enjoyed coaching Little League Baseball in the Cedar Grove community and served as a Boy Scout Leader.  Professionally, Billy dedicated his talents to Marlow-Van Loan Corp., where he worked as a chemist until his retirement.

He was one of the founding members of Cedar Grove Baptist Church. Billy, a.k.a. "Big-O,” loved his church family and served as a Sunday school teacher for many years. Most of all, he enjoyed presenting the Good News of fully trusting Jesus Christ, along with his years of Monday night visitations, and reaching out to anyone that would prayerfully accept the message. It was common to see him witness to people he would meet in the grocery store, any restaurant, and later, during his sickness, in the hospital or doctor's office. His care for the physical and spiritual well-being of all peoples led him to serve others not only within his own community, but also abroad. Notably, his missionary work played a pivotal role in building a church in Poland. He also felt very fortunate to have the opportunity to open his home to serve as host family to a Swedish exchange student.

In his final moments, he was listening to his family read from the book of Psalms. It was very fitting that he transitioned into his new heavenly body during the scripture reading of Psalm 122:1-2, “I was glad when they said unto me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord.’ Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem.”

Billy's love for life's simple pleasures was infectious. He was an avid player of cards and checkers, always ready for a good-natured challenge and often emerging victorious over his family. His competitive spirit and joyful laughter during these games will be fondly remembered and deeply missed. He recently enjoyed celebrating his 87th birthday, surrounded by many of his loved ones.

Billy is survived by his four sons, William Neil Owens (Angie) of Lexington, David Wayne Owens (Alana) of Swansboro, James Steven Owens (Melinda) of Rocky Mount, and "Mac" Laurin Clay Owens (Lori) of Asheboro; children by choice, Wayne and Denise Brewer of Asheboro; sister, Louise Owens Little of Randleman; twelve grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara McLaurin Owens, the love of his life, with whom he shared 55 years of marriage until her passing.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Randolph, 416 Vision Dr, Asheboro, NC 27203 and Cedar Grove Baptist Church, 3012 Old NC Hwy. 49, Asheboro, NC 27205.

Bumgarner Family Funeral Service is assisting the Owens family.

Hospice of Randolph County
416 Vision Drive, Asheboro NC 27203

Cedar Grove Baptist Church
3012 Old NC Hwy. 49, Asheboro NC 27205