CENTREVILLE | Roy Walter Owens, Sr., of Centreville, passed away at his home Saturday October 24, 2015 due to complications from an extended illness. He was a graduate of Bibb County High School, Holmes Junior College and the University of Alabama. Loved and respected by many, Walter was a man of strong faith and integrity. A true southern gentleman, he was born on September 11, 1931 in Plantersville, Alabama, the only child of the late Roy and Virginia Owens. Walter was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. As a graduate of Bibb County High School, he was awarded a football scholarship to Holmes Junior College in Goodman, Mississippi. Upon enlistment in the United States Army, he was stationed in Berlin, Germany during the Korean Conflict. Walter was the first State Farm Agent in Bibb County and retired in 2001 after 47 years. He also was the co-owner of Owens Dry Goods, in Centreville, a family clothing business. Over his lifetime, he served his community and the State of Alabama in many ways. He dedicated his life to helping others. As a member of Centreville Baptist Church, he served as a Deacon. Walter was a Mason and a Shriner. He was a past president and lifetime member of the Kiwanis Club, a member of the Civil Air Patrol, the American Red Cross Twenty Five Gallon Club, a volunteer fireman, the Bibb County Auburn Club and for many years served as Chairman of the Bibb County Chapter of the American Heart Association. Walter was also recognized by the Alabama State Troopers Association, as an Auxiliary Member. He was appointed to serve on both the board of trustees at the Peoples Bank and the board of trustees at the University of Montevallo. In 1967, Walter Owens was elected to the Alabama State House of Representatives. He served in both the Alabama State Senate and House of Representatives between 1967 and 1993. While in the House of Representatives, he served as Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee and many other committees over the years. While in Senate, he served as President Pro Tem and as a member of the Finance and Taxation committee. He was preceded in death by Margaret Day Owens, and his parents, Roy and Virginia Logan Owens. He is survived by his wife, Mary Moon Owens; four children, Roy Walter Owens 11 (Connie) of Centreville, Ala., Kenneth Clyde Owens (Gerry) of Northport, Ala., Julie Owens Nix of Centreville, Ala. and Jay Howard Owens (Myke) of Helena, Ala.; ten grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was our hero and will be greatly missed. However his faith, devotion and love for his family, his dignity, kindness, generosity, bravery, courage, tenacity and perseverance through all of life's challenges, will remain within all of us who knew and loved him most. Someone is only lost if you do not know where they are and beyond any doubt, we know we will see you again. Visitation will be held at Centreville Baptist Church on Tuesday, October 27, 2015, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Funeral service will begin at 2 p.m. Interment will be at Pineland Memorial Cemetery with Rockco Funeral Home Centreville directing. Pallbearers will be members of his Sunday school class: Perry Collins, Scott Hardenbergh, Buddy Langford, J. C. Murphy, Earl Tyus and Wayne Walton. Honorary Pallbearers are the remaining members of his Sunday school class and former members of the Alabama State Senate and House of Representatives.

Published in Tuscaloosa News on Oct. 27, 2015