Cecil Robert Owens

ROCKY MOUNT - Cecil Robert Owens, age 96, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 15, 2021. Born in Edgecombe County, NC on October 24, 1924, he was the son of the late Robert Floyd Owens and Annie Windham Owens of Fountain, NC. He was also preceded in death by his son, Cecil Lymont Owens of Rocky Mount, NC; his brothers, Elbert, Irving, Hilton, and Wilton Owens; and his sister, Marie Owens Hines, all of Fountain NC. Cecil was a veteran of the US Army having served proudly during World War II. He started and ran a county store for many years, and hundreds of locals recall fondly stopping by the store for gas and household essentials or for a hot meal from the grill. Cecil enjoyed music, particularly gospel and country music. He loved to sing and will also be remembered for his talents on the harmonica and guitar. During his later years, Cecil and Marie welcomed a group of friends into their home for Saturday evening singings. He loved to laugh. Cecil's favorite things included corny “dad jokes” and Wheel of Fortune. Cecil leaves behind to remember him, his beloved wife of 78 years, Marie Jordan Owens of Rocky Mount NC; his son, James Owens (wife Becky); his granddaughters, Robin Owens Latham (husband Mike) and Michele Owens, all of Rocky Mount NC; his daughter-in-law, Barbara Owens of Kernersville NC; along with numerous nieces and nephews; and cherished friends. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, January 18, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Southside Baptist Church, 4948 Carter Road, Elm City, NC 27822, with Pastor CJ Cauble and Deacon Marvin Stallings officiating. A visitation will be from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM prior to the service in the Sanctuary of Southside Baptist Church. Very special thanks are extended to the health care workers who have come into the home for the past three years to care for Cecil. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the family is requesting the need for social distancing and wearing of masks due to health concerns faced around our nation at this time. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Southside Baptist Church 4948 Carter Road Elm City, NC 27822 Monday 1/18, 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm A visitation will be from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM prior to the service in the Sanctuary of Southside Baptist Church. Service Southside Baptist Church 4948 Carter Road Elm City, NC 27822 Monday 1/18, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, January 18, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Southside Baptist Church, 4948 Carter Road, Elm City, NC 27822, with Pastor CJ Cauble and Deacon Marvin Stallings officiating.