Thomas Hardy Owens, Jr., 79, of Fitzgerald, died Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at the Fitzgerald Nursing Home.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Sunday, June 28, 2009 at Central United Methodist Church, with Rev. Keith Goodlett and Rev. B.J. Funk officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be held 6-9 Saturday evening at the funeral home.
Mr. Owens was born April 14, 1930 in Ben Hill County to the late Thomas Hardy and Lucy Mitchell Owens. He lived in Fitzgerald all of his life, graduating from Fitzgerald High School in 1949, where he was a member of the track team. Mr. Owens was retired owner/operator of Owens Studio. He served in the Georgia National Guard, was a member of the Professional Photographer’s Association and the Georgia Sheriff’s Association. Mr. Owens was a life-long member of Central United Methodist Church, served as head usher for over twenty years and was a member of the Carlisle Sunday school class.
He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law: Lawson & Donna Owens and Jim & Neida Owens, all of Fitzgerald; daughters and sons-in-law: Elaine O. & Tim Pust, Joan O. & William Hill, Sandy O. & Ronnie Cowan and Nelda O. & Jon Durkovic, all of Fitzgerald; 18 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren; sister: Tommie Sherrer of Macon as well as several nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Nell Smith Owens, two brothers and three sisters.
The family suggests that those desiring to send memorials in lieu of flowers may send them to IMAGINE Ministries, Central United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 428, Fitzgerald, GA 31750.