Ted Owens, 77, of Waynesboro, died peacefully at his home on Friday, September 7, 2012, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on January 16, 1935, in Caretta, West Virginia, the son of the late Terry G. and Lillian D. (Allen) Owens.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Mark; and siblings, Opal Rosen, Jack Owens Sr., Annette Short, Jean Moses and Eva Mae Wiley.

Ted served in the United States Air Force as a Training Instructor. During his employment at Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center, he continued in his love of teaching and appreciated the time spent with the students and staff. He enjoyed a lifelong career in sales with several local auto dealerships and retired as the Marketing and Sales Manager with Dixie Gas and Oil of Verona. Ted is most fondly remembered as an accomplished jazz musician and lead saxophone player with several local bands. He began his musical career at the age of 13 as one of the original members of the Melodiers, a popular dance band in the late 40's and 50's. Though jazz was his favorite genre, he played in a variety of bands to include big band, country, beach and Top 40. He finished his musical career as a valued member of the Central Virginia Jazz Orchestra in Richmond. Ted often expressed that his love of music gave him the opportunity to establish many lifelong friendships. Through the years, he touched the lives of many people with his music and served as a mentor to a number of young musicians.Ted also enjoyed serving as the choir director for St. Marks United Methodist Church and Waynesboro Church of the Brethren. In addition to his love of music, he also supported local sports teams and was an avid fan of the Washington Redskins and University of Virginia Cavaliers.

Ted was a man of strong character and would do anything for anyone. He never met a stranger, loved a good laugh, and truly valued his family and many friends. He will be greatly missed for his unselfish giving to others but will remain in our hearts forever.

Survivors include his loving wife of 56 years, Janet R. (DeLacey) Owens; his sister, Betty Layne and her husband, Al, of Afton; his children, Laura Shifflett and husband, Randy, of Waynesboro, Lisa Doughty and husband, Cliff, of Waynesboro; Bonnie Smith and husband, Neil, of Graham, North Carolina, Todd Owens of Waynesboro, and Jennifer Phibbs and husband, Eddie, of Chester, Virginia; his grandchildren, Jason Wiseman, Dawn Wiseman, Kevin Tolley, Stephanie Doughty, Mark Doughty, Lacey Smith, Kyle Smith, Zachary Phibbs and Mario Phibbs; and great-grandchildren, Saige Solomon, Jarin Wiseman, Colby Solomon and Kadence Tolley. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and close friends that he loved dearly.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at his home church Main Street United Methodist in Waynesboro, 2 p.m. Saturday, September 22, 2012, with Pastor Neil Hough officiating. A reception will be held at the Fellowship Hall immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, Ted's desire would be to invest in the lives of children through donations to Autism Speaks http://www.autismspeaks.org/ways-give or Hope of Life International http://hopeoflifeintl.org/give_START123.html. Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamirickfuneralhomes.com.

Published in The News Virginian from September 10 to September 14, 2012