John Elmer Owens Jr

John Elmer (Dee) Owens, Jr., went to his heavenly home Thursday, October 9, 2008, to join his father, J.E. Owens, Sr.; mother, Artie V. Owens; sisters, Lois Anders and Ruth Dungan and niece, Debbie Lipman. He was a native of Henderson County and lived in Buncombe County for the last 38 years. He was a loving husband and father. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Barbara Williams Owens; daughter, Gina Waters and husband, Eddie, of Asheville; three step grandchildren, Eddie, Jr. of New York, Ryan and Alicia of Asheville, whom he loved very much. Also surviving are a niece, Melissa Baer and husband, Larry; nephew, Rodney Halford and wife, Kelly; many cousins and in-laws; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, John Dungan, Everett and Joann Williams, Ruth and Ken Barnwell, Carolyn and Norman Halford, David and Joyce Williams and Lewis Williams, all of Fletcher. He was a kind, gentle and loving man with many friends and he never met a stranger. He was employed by Cranston Print Works for more than 44 years and was a member of the local union. He bravely fought a battle with cancer for many years and he loved life and enjoyed traveling. He especially loved his church family at Hooper's Creek Baptist Church, his "Buddy" Amy and all the children there. They held a very special place in his heart. A funeral service will be held at 6:00 p.m., Saturday at Hoopers Creek Baptist Church conducted by the Revs. Lawrence Rhodes and Harold McKinnish. The family will receive friends following the service until 9:00 pm. A graveside service will be in the new section of the church cemetery at 2:00 pm on Sunday with the Rev. Jimmy Taylor officiating. His co-workers at Cranston Printworks will serve as pallbearers.