June 25, 1955 – March 12, 2021
HATTERAS — 
Gary Wayne Owens, Jr. (Shadow) died at Maryview Hospital in Portsmouth, VA on March 12, 2021. He was the son of the late Robert Edward Owens Sr of Delray, FL & Charlotte Frances Gallagher of Pinellas Park, FL. He was preceded in death by one sister, Joyce Ellen Belgard. He is survived by his wife, Dianne Owens, step-daughter, Samantha Poulin and granddaughter, Ekaterina Penosky, all of Hatteras NC. Also daughter, April Mae Lakeman of Atlanta, GA, and grandchildren Tess Parker, Ashburn, GA; Anne Parker, Sylvester, GA; and Lilly Parker, Tifton GA. He is also survived by six sisters, Marie Howser, St. Petersburg, Fl; Audrey Tomblin, Douglasville, GA; Rebecca Owens, Thomasville, GA; Patricia Clisham, Murrels Inlet, SC; Sharon Monaco, Greenlake, WI; Michele (Shelly) Francfort, St Cloud, FL; and two brothers, Robert Owens, Jr. and David Martin, III, both of Ocoee, FL; twelve nieces, nine nephews and Aunt Lois Roddy of Mosinee,WI.
Gary was born on June 25, 1955 in West Palm Beach, FL. He led a colorful work life before and after serving in the Marine Corp. He worked at the Ringling Brothers Circus, Dunkin Donuts, Piggly Wiggly, Burger King and many others. He excelled in target shooting and prided himself as a Wells Fargo Armored Truck Driver before coming to Hatteras Island in 1998. He loved working at Napa in Buxton and repairing computers in his spare time. He loved telling jokes and fishing.
His health issues caused many ambulance rides and hospitalizations and nursing home care over the last 15 years. He will not be easily forgotten by those who loved and cared for him. Gary was able to be comfortable, make himself at home and entertain the staff with his stories and poems, secure in each place while he waited and hoped to return home to Hatteras.
The family wishes to thank all the EMTs, the hospital and nursing home staff for always showing respect and giving comfort to Gary. Thank you to the staff who cared for him and attended him in his last days at Maryview Hospital as Covid 19 prevented family from being by his side. We also thank everyone for their prayers and their presence. May God bless you as you have blessed so many.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to your local church or your favorite charity.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
