Walter "Bill" L. Owens Jr.

He was born June 27, 1930 the only child of Walter L. Owens and Flossie Caroline in Dillon, South Carolina. He attended school in Laurinburg, NC and served in the US Navy.

Bill worked forty years for Seaboard Railroad, later CSX, and retired as Manager of Rules and Safety in 1989. He and his wife of 67 years, Bobbie Adams Owens, moved to Southport that year and he worked at Sunny Point and later enjoyed many years as a ranger/starter at St James golf courses.

Bill loved his Savior Jesus Christ and served many churches as a deacon, usher and disaster relief coordinator. He was most recently a member of Southport Baptist. He was a 32 degree Mason of Masonic Lodge #745, as well as a Shriner and Kentucky Colonel. He volunteered many years at the US Open King Mackerel Tournament and was also Chairman of the Southport July 4th fireworks for many years.

He is survived by his wife Bobbie, daughter Teresa Stainback and husband Gary of Chocowinity, NC; son Billy and wife Trisha of Conway, SC; four granddaughters, Amanda Corman and husband RJ of Hendersonville, NC, Ashley Best and wife Kim, and Holly Owens of Conway, SC and Betsy Brinson and husband Dwane of Hillsborough, NC; and four great grandchildren, Richard and Abigail Corman of Hendersonville and Callie and Owen Brinson of Hillsborough.

The family gives sincere thanks to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, the special neighbors, many friends and doctors for their care and support during his years of declining health.

A celebration of his life will be held Thursday, January 3, 2019 at 2:00 pm, at Southport Baptist Church, Southport, NC and condolences to the family immediately afterwards.

Please consider a donation to SECU Hospice House of Brunswick, 955 Mercy Lane, Bolivia, NC 28422 or Meals on Wheels - Brunswick Senior Resources, Inc. 3620 Express Drive, Shallotte, NC 28470 in lieu of flowers.

Online condolences may be made to www.peacocknewnamwhite.com.

Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.