Tommy Owens Jr.

February 2, 1949 - November 15, 2021

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Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Southeast Chapel

1604 NE Main Street

Simpsonville, SC 29681

(864) 688-1600 |

Friday 11/19, 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm

Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Southeast Chapel

1604 NE Main Street

Simpsonville, SC 29681

(864) 688-1600 |

Friday 11/19, 1:30 pm

Graceland East Memorial Park

2206 Woodruff Rd.

Simpsonville, SC 29681

Thomas “Tommy” Lewis Owens, Jr., 72, beloved husband of Karen Neal Owens, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2021, after a brief illness.

Born in Varnville, South Carolina in 1949, he was a son of the late Thomas Lewis and Peggy Harter Owens. Tommy attended Hampton County Schools and graduated from Wade Hampton High School in 1968.

Tommy was a machinist at Precision Research and Development and made many lifelong friends while there. After retiring from the machine shop, he embarked on a new adventure becoming a bus driver for Greenville County Schools. Taking care of his students, whether elementary or high school, was his highest priority, and he loved them as if they were his own.

A member of Mauldin First Baptist Church, he was in the Generations Class, and these men quickly became his brothers in Christ. He and the other members often worked with the boys at Generation Group, having parties and cook-outs, playing games, and giving prizes. Tommy collected jerseys, caps, and blankets to distribute to the boys there. He also built and donated computers to Generation Group.

One of Tommy’s favorite hobbies was woodworking in his shop behind his garage. Whenever he needed to lift his spirits, he would retire to his garage, turn on some beach music, and build something. A handyman extraordinaire, Tommy could fix anything and often helped friends and family whose projects had proved too much for them.

Those who knew Tommy will remember his friendly smile, kind heart, and generous spirit. They will recall seeing him enjoying beach music concerts Friday nights during the summer. Above all, however, the most important aspect of his life was his commitment to family. As a husband, father, grandfather, and brother, his unconditional love never faltered.

Along with his wife of fifty years, he is survived by his son, Thomas Neal Owens (Hannah); his daughter, Amanda Owens Duffie (Jeff); his precious granddaughter, Sutton Elizabeth Owens; and his brother, Tony Dale Owens (Linda).

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 19, 2021 from 12:00 p.m. until 1:15 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Southeast followed by the funeral service at 1:30 p.m. in the Chapel. Entombment will follow in Graceland East Memorial Park Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Generations Group, PO Box 80009, Simpsonville, SC 29680.

Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Southeast Chapel

1604 NE Main Street

Simpsonville, SC 29681

(864) 688-1600 | Map

Friday 11/19, 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm

Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Southeast Chapel

1604 NE Main Street

Simpsonville, SC 29681

(864) 688-1600 | Map

Friday 11/19, 1:30 pm

Graceland East Memorial Park

2206 Woodruff Rd.

Simpsonville, SC 29681

Map

Thomas “Tommy” Lewis Owens, Jr., 72, beloved husband of Karen Neal Owens, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2021, after a brief illness. Born in Varnville, South Carolina in 1949, he was a son of the late Thomas Lewis and Peggy Harter Owens. Tommy attended Hampton County Schools and graduated from Wade Hampton High SchoolContinue Reading

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The Freeman Family sends our heartfelt condolences to the Owens family. We love you all!

To my family,… I truly pray God continues to give you all strength during this time. I appreciate “ dad” for taking me in as one of his own. I will always love and miss him. Mom, big brother and Twin, you all know I love you all very much! Dad is healed now. Love you, Twin F.

We are so very sorry for your loss! Mr. Tommy was an awesome person and he made the boys of Generations always feel like "somebody"! He will be missed dearly! We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers!

You have our deepest condolences. You will remain in our prayers. Tommy will be missed by all.

Sending all my love to the entire family. My thoughts are with you all.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I’m so sorry to hear about Tommy’s death. He coached both my children’s youth basketball teams for Mauldin First Baptist. He was a good man and coach. Please know I’m praying for the entire family. Donna Breimann

Mr. Tom was a wonderful friend, mentor, role model, and warrior for Christ. I had the pleasure of working with him for years while he served as bus driver for Oakview Elementary. He loved all the students and treated them like family. He always had a kind word and laugh to share. I loved to hear his stories and words of encouragement each afternoon when he arrived at school. He will be missed but I know he loved Jesus and I will see him again in heaven. Rest in peace my friend! Terri Wheeler Hawkins

It was hard to believe the news that Tommy had passed away! Here was a man so full of life and always eager to help someone in need. He was the kind of man that I hoped I could come close to emulating! There had to be a huge celebration in heaven when Tommy walked through those pearly gates! His absence in our lives will leave hurts that will take a long time to mend. Karen, Amanda and Neal, I pray that all the great memories you have of Tommy will bring smiles to your face while you journey through the grieving process. Dave Haskell

I am so sorry for your loss!!! Praying for all!!!

We are sending prayers to Amanda and her family. Tommy was a lovely man and will be greatly missed but he will continue to watch over the family forever. ??

Neal my thoughts and prayers are with you and your sweet family. I will continue to pray for your strength and healing.

In memory of Tommy Owens Jr., Cate Simkins lit a candle

Karen, Martha and I are so sorry to hear about your loss. Tommy was one the first friends I made when we moved to Mauldin. We had had a lot of good times coaching together along with Bobby and Mike. I will be keeping you and the children in my prayers. May God wrap you in his Grace and Love. Caleb and Martha

My condolences to Mrs. Karen Owens, Neal, Amanda and family. My heart is heavy and broken. While we prayed for him to stay here, God saw fit to take him home. I am praying continually that comfort and peace reside. He's gone but never forgotten!! Love you all much!! ????❤❤

Karen, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Even though it has been a few years since you were my high school teacher, I have kept up with you and Tommy. Please know that I will continue to carry you in my heart.

Amanda and family, my deepest sympathies on the loss of Mr. Owens. I enjoyed seeing his face at MSC and peering in during class, and you, Amanda waving and saying “hey Daddy”. He will be missed terribly, but you’ll hold memories in your hearts forever. ??

Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I was on my way to Texas to visit my son when I got a call about Tommy. I am leaving in the morning to visit my girls in northeast North Carolina. I’m not sure I will be back in time for service, but my thoughts are certainly with all of you. You, Karen, are a very strong person. I am sure you have very precious memories, two loving children, and a precious new granddaughter. Again, prayers are with you and God bless you and yours.? Jean Craig

Dear Friends, we are so sorry to learn about the passing of Tommy. We have enjoyed knowing him and serving together at FBCM for many years! Our last conversation was about his love for the kids on his bus! A great Servant and dear Friend! Our sympathy and prayers for you, Karen and Amanda and Neal and your families! Janice & Tommy Holcombe

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.