Freddie James Owens

Mr. Freddie James Owens, age 76, died peacefully at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, TN on Friday, March 30, 2018 at 1:22 pm after an eight year battle with prostate cancer due to service related to Agent Orange exposure. Freddie is survived by his wife, Diana; siblings, Bettye Owens, Vivian Hayward, Sylvia Owens, Miriam Mitchell (Joseph), Sandra Brown, Reginald Lowe (Otella), Isaiah Johnson (Pam); children, Scott Owens (Hope), Michael Owens (Paula), Michelle Owens, Mark Owens, Freddie Owens, Jr (JoCherie), Helen Turner (Charles), Patrick Owens (Tamika); and grandchildren, Tristyn, Scott Jr, Sa’Taya, Lisa, Jessica and Ashley Brannon and other numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and other loved ones. He is preceded in death by his father, St. Nazier and his mother Georgia. Freddie was born on April 27, 1941 in Edison, GA to St. Nazier and Georgia Owens. He graduated from Middleton High School in June of 1960. Immediately following graduation, Freddie joined the US Army, where he achieved the rank of SSG and served with distinction for over 15 years. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 devise, 2 Overseas Service Bars, Expert (M-140, Expert M-16), 5 Service Stripes, Purple Heart, Air Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Presidential Unit Citation, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal (4th award), Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with palm. As president of Vet2Vet, he worked tirelessly advocating for veterans care and benefits. He served as Co-Chairman of the Knoxville Regional Veterans Mental Health Council, Founder of Soldiers Heart Ministry, Peer Facilitator for Legacy Peer Support Group, Chairman of the Faith Based Community Committee and as a Veterans Court Mentor. He was baptized at an early age at New Bethel M.B. Church in Tampa, FL and has been a long time member of Redemption Church International where he served as a greeter, photographer, children’s camp volunteer and on the security team. Freddie officiated children’s sports all the way up to collegiate, from the age of 19 until this year. The family will be receiving friends and family from 5-7 pm on Monday, April 16, 2018 at Redemption Church International, 3550 Pleasant Ridge Road, Knoxville, Tennessee with a funeral to follow at 7pm. Interment will be on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at 11:30 am at the East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery on John Sevier Highway, Knoxville, Tennessee. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Freddie’s life. Condolences may be sent to www.berryhighlandwest.com. The family would like to thank Dr. Ibach and the staff of UT Medical Center for their compassionate care. We would ask that you leave your fondest memory of/with Freddie in the comments below.