John Russell Owen, Sr.

John Russell Owen, Sr. died peacefully in his home surrounded by family on Tuesday, August 9th, 2022 in Augusta, GA. John was the loving husband of 49 years to Lois Cordes Owen.

In addition to his beloved wife, John is survived by his children, John Russell Owen, Jr. (Katie), Watson Cordes Owen (Hailey), Dr. Carter Monique Orliac Owen (Sue), six grandchildren, his sister Dorothy Owen Modla, his sister-in-law Elisabeth Youngblood, a large extended family who lovingly referred to him as “Johnny” or “Great Uncle Johnny,” a legion of cherished friends too many to name, and his dog Tucker.

John was born in 1946 in Atlanta, GA to Annie B. Owen and John W. Owen. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law Alexander Watson Cordes, Jr., his mother-in-law Monique Orliac Cordes, his sister Sarah Anne Hightower, his brother-in-law Dr. James O. Hightower, brother-in-law Elmer J. Modla, brother-in-law William Lee Youngblood, and his beloved dog Tanner.

John lived his early life between Atlanta, Athens, and Augusta, GA. The family finally settled in Augusta, GA where he attended Aquinas High School. He was a proud graduate of the University of Georgia, a member of the Chi Psi Fraternity, and a lifelong devoted Georgia Bulldogs fan. John loved to play golf, fish, cook, and most of all, he loved sharing in these activities with his loved ones. He was famous for his delicious homemade BBQ, his secret BBQ sauce, his game day boiled peanuts, and his made-from-scratch cowboy cookies. John had a fun-loving personality, always took an authentic interest in others, and was an entertaining storyteller. His easy ability relating with others made him a natural salesman. He used these skills to succeed in everything he tried from selling burlap early on in his working life to owning and operating Georgia-Carolina Manufacturing Company, Inc. He was a devoted father and took every opportunity to share with anyone willing to listen how proud he was of his children and grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 13th at 11am at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church with a Mass of Christian burial to follow at 12pm. Procession and interment at Westover Memorial Park will follow the mass.

Pallbearers will be John Russell Owen, Jr., Watson Cordes Owen, Riley Watson Owen, Stephen Hightower, Greg Hightower, Jacob Modla, Augustus Modla, and Beau Modla. Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the 2021 CFP National Championship winning Georgia Bulldogs.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the UGA Foundation.