Thomas Dock Owens

Rock Island, TN resident and Oklahoma City, OK native Thomas Dock Owens, age 96, was born November 20, 1925 and died November 2, 2022 at his residence following an extended illness.           

A WWII veteran of the United States Army, retired forklift operator from Cumberland Lumber Company and member of Campaign Church of God, he was the son of the late Tom and Emma Lou Priest Owens. He was married to Violet Louise Davis Owens in 1974 who preceded him in death on December 10, 1994. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by two children, Clata Owens and Allen Owens; three step-sons, Tony, Bobby, and Edward Simmons; step-daughter, Kathy Bouldin; two brothers, Bluford Owens and Charles Owens and sisters, Leona Raper and Emma Jean King.

Mr. Owens is survived by five daughters, Bettye Bouldin Woods (Brian) of the Centertown community, Wanda Owens of Rock Island, TN, Gail Burns (Jeff) of Smyrna, TN, Sandy Hall of McMinnville, TN and Glenda (Allen) Hughes of McMinnville, TN; son, Bud (Helen) Owens of Morrison, TN; step-son, Donnie Simmons of Rock Island, TN; three step-daughters, Barbara (Bo) Cantrell of Franklin, TN, Linda (Mac) McAdams of North Carolina and Frances (Peter) Nolan of Washington, DC; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews and special friend, Earlene Ledbetter.

A WWII veteran who loved his country and served in the Pacific as part of the Greatest Generation.

He loved his nature walks and had many stories of the creatures and their activities. These stories always left him and his visitors laughing.

He liked to float the river and fish and if you caught more fish than him, he might not ask you to go with him again.

Most important of all he loved the Lord and going to church. He no doubt is now singing “In the Sweet By & By” with the angels.

He was a strong, honorable man, who loved his friends and family. He loved his children and was a good Dad, always keeping watch over them and providing wise advice. He worked hard to provide food for his 8 children by raising a big garden each year and loved gardening so much, he just in the last years stopped growing one. He also in years past raised pigs and chickens. He worked over 30 years at Cumberland Lumber where he retired.

He loved cooking his breakfast each morning and would often sing and whistle while cooking. He also loved banana pudding and you best not put that white stuff on top. He would let you know.

He was our Patriarch, our safe place, and words can never express how much he will be missed.

The family would like to thank Avalon Hospice, The Veteran’s Association and Meals on Wheels. Your service was greatly appreciated. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Meals on Wheels and the American Cancer Society.

Funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, November 5, 2022 at Campaign Church of God in Rock Island, TN with Allen Hughes, Jarvis Johnson and Roland Sharpe officiating. Burial will follow at Old Philadelphia Cemetery in White County, TN. Visitation will be Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at the church.   

Full military honors will be administered by American Legion Post 173 and VFW Post 5064.

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.