Gary Ralph Owens

Gary Ralph Owens was surrounded by his loving wife and children when he flew to the arms of Jesus on January 13, 2023. Born on June 28, 1938 in Knoxville, TN, Gary was the much loved and only child of Ralph and Zelma (Walker) Owens. Gary’s happy childhood was filled with cousins and uncles who were like siblings to him. A natural athlete, Gary played basketball at Central high school where he developed lifelong friendships. Gary graduated from the University of Tennessee with an electrical engineering degree in 1961 and served as an engineer for 46 years at TVA and several contracting firms in Knoxville. Gary exchanged vows with Barbara (Gildard) in 1960 on a beautiful summer day in a double wedding with Barbara’s sister Linda (Thogersen). Gary and Barbara’s marriage was anchored by their steadfast commitment to one another, their family, and to Christ. Gary and Barbara were married for 62 years and have four children, fourteen grandchildren, and twelve great grandchildren. Gary was a devoted husband, an incredible father and grandfather, and a loyal friend to many. Gary’s true passion was in being a servant of Christ. He was on his knees in prayer in the early morning light and he devoted countless hours to the study of God’s Word. He began teaching the Scriptures to teenagers in the 1960’s at his home church, Cedar Springs Presbyterian. In 1975 he and his wife started a Sunday school class for young married couples that flourished and grew with them to become the Emmaus class. Gary also led numerous Bible studies over the years for men of all ages. Gary felt that all of his previous study and teaching of God’s Word culminated in his volunteer work as an online missionary with Global Media Outreach (GMO), whose mission is “to give every person on earth multiple opportunities to know Jesus”. During his 10 year service with GMO he interacted with over 5,300 people from all over the world, leading many to personal relationships with Christ. Gary recently described his 84th year as his “most productive season of ministry”. He said that serving with GMO helped him focus “much more than ever before on Jesus and how He is sufficient” and Gary felt that through this ministry he experienced God working in a fresh way, preparing him “to one day see His face”. The words of Paul in II Timothy 4:6-8 are fitting for Gary: his life was poured out as an offering to God, he finished the race, fought a good fight, and remained faithful. A crown of righteousness is now before him and Gary would want everyone to know that it is not just for him but for all who eagerly look forward to Christ’s glorious return. Gary is survived by his wife, Barbara; children LeeAnne (Kevin), Susan (Lyle), Dan (Shelly), and Stephen (Erin); grandchildren Richard (Rachel), Mary (John Thomas), Sara (Stephen), Jenny (Drew), Beth (Daniel), Mason (Ashley), Andrew, Madeline, Evan, Davis, Hannah, Joseph, Helen, and Charlotte; and twelve great grandchildren. Gary was deeply loved and is already greatly missed. Gary’s family will receive friends at Rose Funeral & Cremation - Mann on Friday January 20th from 3:30-5:30. A celebration of Gary’s life will be held at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church at 2:00 on Saturday January 21st in the main sanctuary. Gary’s family would like to thank the many family members, friends, and neighbors whose outpouring of love has upheld us in this time of grief. We would also like to give a special recognition to the staff at UT Medical Center who cared for him so well during his final week on earth. In lieu of flowers, please donate online in Gary’s memory to Global Media Outreach at www.globalmediaoutreach.com or designate a gift to CSPC’s Global Missions at https://cspc.tpsdb.com/Give/standard.

Tributes

Gary Ralph Owens

June 28, 1938 - January 13, 2023