Teddy Bruce Owens (Ted)

Published 2:09 pm Friday, August 28, 2020

TED OWENS

COLUMBUS — Teddy Bruce Owens (Ted) of Columbus, NC, passed into glory at Mission Hospital surrounded by family via webcam on August 25, 2020 after a brief illness.

He was born on June 14, 1937 in Tryon, NC, to the late Ruby Waters. He graduated from Mill Spring High School, served in the US Navy in the Persian Gulf and attended Wofford College. He married his beautiful loving wife, Elna Lynch Owens.

Ted worked for Milliken & Company in several positions, retiring after 49 years. He was an active member of Coopers Gap Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and Sunday School Teacher. Ted was dedicated to his community, involved with public service as Mayor of the Town of Columbus, and Polk County Commissioner. Ted served on numerous boards of directors and received various awards. He also volunteered locally at the Polk County Historical Association and The House of Flags.

He was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, and loved his family unconditionally. A man of integrity and strong faith, Ted loved his God above all.

He leaves behind: his wife of 60 years Elna, three children; Beth Owens Ledford of Asheville, NC, Bruce Owens and wife Martha of Yorktown, VA, and Jonathan B Owens of Columbus, NC, six grandchildren; Caleb Owens, Kelby Ledford, Brad Ledford, Noah Owens, Elizabeth Owens, and Luke Owens, three siblings; Polly White husband Billy, Brenda Lewis, and Charles Waters, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and all of his friends.

On Sunday, August 30, a funeral procession will take place through Main Street, Columbus, NC at 12:45 p.m., followed by a drive by visitation at 2:00 p.m. and an outdoor celebration of life at 3:00 p.m. at Coopers Gap Baptist Church (730 Cooper Gap Rd, Mill Spring, NC 28756).

Following the service there will be a private graveside with Military Honors conducted by the Polk County Veterans Memorial Honor Guard at Coopers Gap Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to Coopers Gap Baptist Church or the Polk County Historical Association (PO Box 503, Columbus, NC 28722).

An online guest register is available at mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com

McFarland Funeral Chapel & Crematory

Tryon, NC