SGM James "Roy" Owens, U.S. Army (Ret.), 73, of Johns Island, South Carolina, husband of Frankie Sligh Owens entered into eternal rest Sunday, August 9, 2015. His Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, August 12, 2015 in J. HENRY STUHR INC., WEST ASHLEY CHAPEL, 3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway at 10:00 a.m. Burial services will be held with military honors in Beaufort National Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday, August 11, 2015 in Stuhr's West Ashley Chapel from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Roy was born November 27, 1941 in Charleston, SC, son of the late Harold Cross Owens and Ruby Eadie Owens. He served in the United States Army for 28 years and retired as Sergeant Major. During his service he earned 3 Bronze Star Medals, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and multiple other service badges. He extended his service to his country as Director of Training at The Charleston Naval Brig.
He and Frankie were avid fisherman who loved fishing the Folly river with their family and friends, especially with their grandboys Zach and Andrew. When not on the boat, Roy spent his time landscaping his yard and playing poker with his friends. He made friends with everyone he met and always offered to take them fishing. He will be sorely missed but not forgotten.
He is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Frankie Owens, and his best buddy and loyal dog "Sarge" of Johns Island, SC; two daughters, Jerry Owens Murphy, and Jeanette Owens Valdes both of Anniston, AL; two step-daughters, Gina Ray Arledge (Bo) of Summerfield, NC, and Dori Ray of Tryon, NC; step-son, John Ray (Sadie) of Landrum, SC; six grandchildren, Jeanelle Valdes, Nicolette Murphy, Zach Arledge, Andrew Arledge, Yohnah Ray, and Chela Ray; numerous nieces and nephews; longtime fishing buddy Lloyd Green.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center (Oncology Department), 109 Bee Street, Charleston, SC 29401.