Wendell Raven Owens, Sr

Wendell Raven Owens, Sr., age 85, passed away peacefully in his home early Saturday morning, January 22, 2022. He was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina on March 19, 1936. Wendell was the son of the late Henry Bruce Owens and Mary Irene Owens. He was also preceded in death by his precious wife, Ellen Watson Owens; and his brothers and sisters, Lawrence Dillard Owens, Otis Owens, Willard Owens, Wayne Owens, Mattie Gupton, Bernice Parrish, and Arlene Ellis.

Wendell had infinite skills and wisdom when it came to carpentry and general repairs. He once worked as a custom cabinet builder creating custom cabinets and pieces. He used these skills to create many wonderful wooden pieces that are now cherished. The moment he received a request, he loaded up his tools and headed out to the person’s house to measure and discuss the project. Then the magic would begin in his workshop. He used these skills when he and Ellen moved in a hundred-year-old home. She presented ideas and creative designs that he fulfilled within that home. He added crown molding, dental molding, and chair rail to many rooms. He loved to tackle a project and totally transform a room. He had great wisdom when it came to household appliance repairs and car repairs. He could identify problems simply by listening to noises or dissecting the issue. Rather than pay a repairman, he tackled the job himself. He had great patience for these projects and was truly the epitome of a skilled handyman.

He had a great love for family. He grew up in a large family of ten children. He was the eighth of ten children. His large childhood family resulted in infinite nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law. He loved each and every one with all his heart. He had a passion to help others, and this large family kept him busy. He was a most precious father and deeply loved his three children. After Ellen’s untimely death from cancer, he made his children his first priority. When he was not working at the Seaboard Coastline Railroad, he was attending to their every need. He ensured that they had all the love and support a child would ever need. Even with the absence of his wife, Wendell excelled as a single parent. The love he possessed for his children only multiplied as grandchildren and great-grandchildren arrived.

Wendell had great compassion for those who were suffering and in need. As his family grew older with failing health, he spent much of his free time visiting those in nursing homes with failing health checking on those he loved so much. He delighted to accommodate family and friends in their time of need. He often provided room and board for short and long stints as the situation merited.

He was a most precious, sweet, kind, gentle, and humble man. He never met a stranger. To know him was to love him. He will forever be in our hearts and our love will live on through our cherished memories.

Wendell leaves behind to cherish his memory, his daughters, Wendy Rose and husband, Gary, and Laura Carlton and husband, Mark; his son, Wendell Raven Owens, Jr.; his grandchildren, Brittany Long and husband, Nick, Mallory Rose, Bradley Carlton, and Gracey Rose; his two precious great-grandchildren, Lillie and Nolan; his sisters, Mary Slavin and Geneva Davis; and his dear friend, Mary Currie Owens.

A Celebration of Wendell’s Life will be held on Thursday, January 27, 2022 at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Rev. Dan Rolfe officiating. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.

The family would like to give thanks to Community Hospice of Rocky Mount, Access Community Based Services, the VA Home Base Primary Care of Greenville and infinite caregivers. Our hearts give special thanks and love to Patryce Perry as primary caregiver for multiple years. She has been an angel in a time of need.

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.