William Ray Owen Sr. passed away on September 16, 2020. Born September 6, 1927, in Thomasville, N.C., he was one of six children of William Owen and Emma Owen. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Peggy H. Owen, and daughter, Karen E Owen Hutchison. He is survived by his sister, Patricia Hedrick of Raleigh, N.C., and son, Bill Owen Jr. (Deborah) of Statesville; grandchildren Caroline Owen of Durham, N.C., Ward Owen of Winston-Salem, N.C., Erin Hutchison (Josh) of New Oxford, Pa., and Casey Hutchison of Mechanicsburg, Pa.

Bill Sr. graduated from Catawba College, where he met his “sweetheart Peggy” of 63 years. He was a longtime member of Broad Street Methodist Church in Statesville and retired as a manager at Bernhardt Furniture. He loved the outdoor life, visiting neighbors and friends, and was able to continue this until his final weeks.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, September 27, at the veterans plot in Oakwood Cemetery at 2 p.m.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at Brookdale Peachtree, Donna Smith, Sandra Boan, and Crystal Smith for all their help and support for many years.

Nicholson Funeral Home is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Broad Street Methodist Church, 433 W. Broad Street Statesville, NC 28677. Condolences may be sent online to the family to www.nicholsonfunerals.com.