Obituary of Robert Larry Owens, 10/30/1942 – 5/21/2025

Rincon, Georgia

Robert Larry Owens, SMSGT (USAF Ret.) died peacefully and surrounded by loving family at home on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

Larry was born October 30, 1942 He is preceded in death by his father, Benjamin Franklin Owens Jr., mother, Corine Hinely Owens, and his beloved wife of over 51 years, Shirlene Youmans Owens. He is survived by a son Kevin Larry Owens, daughter-in-law Sheri-Lyn Blewett Owens and granddaughter, Sydney Lyn Owens of Rincon. He is also survived by his current wife, Linda Youngblood Owens, her children Melonie Kolgaklis (Chris), Craig Youngblood (Yvette) their children and grandchildren.

Additional survivors are his sister, Marjorie Owens White, brother-in-law Bruce White Jr. He is also survived by three nieces, two nephews and several great nieces and nephews.

Born in Charleston, SC, his family moved back to Savannah area where Larry grew up in Garden City and lived in Chatham County many years before building a home near Rincon on property once owned by his late grandparents Henry Wingard Hinely and Carrie Shipes Hinely.

He was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Rincon since 2001 and a member of the Unity Sunday School Class. He was a member of The First Baptist Church of the Islands for 20 years and of Silk Hope Baptist Church for about 18 years. He spent his teen years as a member of Woodlawn Baptist Church. He served at each church in various positions including Active Deacon, Sunday School Director, Training Union Director, Sunday school teacher, pastor search committee member, finance committee member and outreach leader. He joined the Gideons in 2014, and enjoyed volunteering in the distribution of God's Word to area hotels and especially to children in schools.

He was a 31+ year veteran of the Georgia Air National Guard and a graduate of the NCO Academy. He received numerous awards including the Outstanding Guardsman of the State of Georgia for which he received the Earnest Vandiver Trophy. He was awarded the Air Force Commendation Metal for outstanding service as Deputy Fire Chief of the 165th Civil Engineering, Fire Protection Section – a position he held for many years. He was an active member of the Savannah Association of Flying Air National Guardsmen and the Grey Eagle Society (both retired military organizations). He treasured his experiences as a member of the armed services and had great respect and admiration for all veterans and those currently serving in the military. He was very appreciative of his family's support while serving in the military.

Larry also retired from Union Camp/International Paper Corporation after 39½ years of continuous service. He began his career there by serving a four year apprenticeship working in the Mill Machine Shop and attending Savannah Vocational School. He worked as an Inside Machinist for many years and was a relief supervisor before becoming a project manager to establish OSHA compliant procedures for Overhead Cranes and Lifting Equipment at the Savannah Mill. He retired early to accept a management and sales position with Alloy Industrial Contractors, Crane Division.

Following full retirement in 2005 he enjoyed building, remodeling and working around their home, and fishing in his pond. He enjoyed very much doing things for and with his family and friends, and particularly enjoyed spending time in the mountains of western North Carolina at Eagle's Rest, the family cabin.

Larry and his family extend highest respect, sincere thanks and gratitude to the following physicians and all their staff who helped him so very much in the sunset years of his life: Dr. Michael Chisner, Dr. Jonathan Christy, Dr. Michael Cox, Dr. Nizar Eskandar, Dr. Michael Funderburk, Dr. Karen Hanna, Dr. Dana Kumjian, Dr. Maria Mascolo, Dr. Andrew Mrugala, Dr. Hayda Perdue, Dr. Scott Rojas, Dr. Rebecca Sentman, Dr. Mark Suzuki, Dr. Richard Taylor, Dr. James Wilson, Jr. Heartfelt thanks and highest respects are also offered to all the professionals at the following facilities: St. Joseph's Candler Healthcare System, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Savannah, Optim Health System & Therapy, and Hospice of Savannah.

Larry's visitation and funeral service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Rincon on Tuesday, May 27. Visitation will begin at 10am with funeral service beginning promptly at 11am. Internment will immediately follow at Rincon Cemetery. Members of The Grey Eagles Society and The Unity Sunday School Class are respectfully asked to serve as honorary pallbearers. Members of the Grey Eagles Society are asked to stand as a group at graveside service where Larry will receive Full Military Honors by the USAF Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to The Gideon's International, P.O. Box 618, Rincon, GA 31326 or Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256.

All funeral details will be entrusted to Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Rincon, GA.