John Paul Owens Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

It is with extreme sadness we announce the passing of our loved one on Saturday, June 25, 2022, John Paul Owens, age 75 of Kernersville. He was a bright light full of laughter and will be missed by many. John was born on May 24, 1947, in Laurel Springs, North Carolina. After graduating from Ashe Central High School, John went on to study at the Appalachian State Teachers College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in French. John also earned a Master of Science degree from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University in Agricultural Economic – Rural Development. John’s passion was helping others no matter the distance. John was a member of the Peace Corps and the Catholic Relief Services for many years where he traveled and lived in Africa. His efforts ranged from large projects, such as helping to bring clean water to many underdeveloped communities to small gestures of gifting clothing to children, who didn’t have access. All his efforts were equally important to him no matter the size. His only goals were showing love and leaving a lasting positive impact on others, and he did just that. John was currently a professor at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University where he taught in the College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences in the Animal Sciences Department for decades. He was highly regarded and loved by his colleagues and students. He helped to write many published case studies and articles throughout his time there. He was also active with Gamma Sigma Delta, the Honor Society of Agriculture and was the Program Coordinator for the Peace Corps Master’s International Program. John was happiest when he was sharing smiles and laughter with family and friends and when he was traveling the world. John lived a full and happy life up until his last days. If we learn anything from John’s untimely passing, it’s that everyday is precious and he would want us to do something impactful to help others. John is preceded in death by his parents, Margie Owens Mitchell and Glenn Owens, his baby brother, Richard Owens, and his nephew, Jeffrey Hughes. John is survived by his loving family: his three siblings, sisters, Mary Hughes and Glenna Perkins, and brother, Thomas Owens (Maureen); his nephews, Brad Owens & family and Trevor Owens & family; his nieces, Tiffany Preece & family and Angela Griffin & family. John is also survived by his friends, whom he considered his family, Terry and Karen Mitchell & family. On Saturday, July 2, 2022 a service for family and friends will be held at Grandview Memorial Funeral Home (789 Grandview Drive, Sparta, NC 28675) with Pastor Leon Morrow officiating at 12 noon. Family will be greeting friends, one hour prior at 11am. Interment will follow the service at Transou Community Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Transou Community Cemetery, c/o Gail Sheets, 815 Peak Creek Church Road, Laurel Springs, North Carolina 28644. Grandview Memorial Funeral Home is proudly serving the Owens family and if you wish, online condolences may be submitted to the family at www.grandviewfuneralhome.com.

John Paul Owens

May 24, 1947 - June 25, 2022