SOUTHERN SHORES — Zachary McDaniel Owen of Southern Shores, age 29, passed away on August 4, 2024. He was predeceased by his father, William C. Owen, and grandparents, William L. Owen, Jr. and Christine M. Owen and Robert E. McDaniel and June H. McDaniel. Left to cherish his memory are his mother, Janet M. Owen-Rosso (husband, William L. Rosso), uncles, R. Stephen McDaniel and David L. Owen, and cousins, Halley C. McDaniel, Natalie M. Gallagher and Davis L. Owen.
Zack overcame so many obstacles in his short life. His family is grateful to the countless professionals who worked so hard with him on his muscle tone, oral-motor function, speech, ASD and more. He was unique in every way, with bright red hair, a big guffawing laugh, an unconventional sense of humor and remarkable intelligence, along with awkward social and communication skills. His heart was huge. A true math geek, Zack also enjoyed model building, reading, fencing, and anything and everything that would (or could be made to) fly.
Zack was very involved in the Boy Scouts, earning the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 15, and became a member of the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s Honor Society. He graduated from First Flight High School as Valedictorian. He attended the Georgia Institute of Technology, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering, and was extraordinarily proud to be “a ramblin’ wreck from Georgia Tech.” He went on to earn his Master’s Degree in AE from Old Dominion University. To keep his Engineering skills sharp, he attended numerous conferences and completed specialized classes.
Zack moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico to accept a job with the Boeing Corporation. He had recently returned to the Outer Banks to look for a position closer to the family he loved on the East Coast.
A memorial service will be held for Zack on Friday, August 16th at 11:00 am at Kitty Hawk United Methodist Church, followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome memorial donations in Zack’s honor at The Outer Banks Community Foundation or the Nature Conservancy at Nags Head Woods. Please share condolences with the family at www.gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.
