JULIUS PHILLIP OWEN

Mr. Julius Phillip Owen, age 81, departed this world to join worship in Heaven on Dec. 13, 2022. A Celebration of Life service for this Mighty man of God will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at 11:00 AM at the Chapel of Evans-Skipper Funeral Home with Rev. Jimmy Hornsby and Rev. Scott Messer officiating, with his sons leading the send-off services for their Dad. The burial service will be held in Chipley, FL at 3:00 PM EST at Piney Grove Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery, 1783 Piney Grove Road, Chipley, FL, the grave site of his Mom, Dad and many Owen family members. Active pallbearers will be Greg Owen, Jerrold Owen, Jordan Owen, Kayla Owen, Leela Owen, and Michael Hornsby, with honorary pallbearers being Buddy Whittaker and Scil Rathel. Phillip was born in Panama City, FL on July 1, 1941, the son of Junior Taft and Evie Dee Hampton Owen, his siblings were an older brother, Donnie and “little sis” Debbie Self. After a short try at college, done for his Mom, Phillip joined the Marines. Stationed in Albany, GA by the Marines, he met his life’s love, Elaine Hatcher. The papermill located him to Donalsonville in 1963, but most of his work years were spent selling auto parts at Carquest and tractor parts in Bainbridge. Every farmer and auto mechanic around knew him and leaned on his mechanical knowledge. Of course, he was known for helping his wife raise half the kids of Seminole County at “Miss Elaine’s”. His BEST work was being a loving husband for 60 years and a mighty Dad to two sons-Jerrold and Greg. Phillip was a worshipper and shared the good news of Jesus wherever he went. He was a founding member and leader in Donalsonville Covenant/Grace Fellowship Church in town for 40+ years. His retired years were filled with driving his Dad, Junior, around town before he passed, as well as serving and choir singing at The Church of the Nazarene. Phil and Elaine shared life with many friends and were well know in Donalsonville. He had the BEST fishing buddies in Georgia and every week there was a fish fry with deep friendships. Being a loved part of the local Church community was a joy and fulfillment for Phillip, but that’s now traded for the Heavenly Kingdom. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Elaine Owen, his son Jerrold and his wife Melanie Roland Owen, grandson Jordan and his wife Lexi, and grandson Jonathan Smith and his wife Brianna and their 5 children, and son Greg Owen and his wife Trisha Owen and granddaughters, Kayla and Leela. A brother, Donnie Owen and a sister, Debbie Self also survive. Phillip was preceded in death by his parents, Junior Taft and Evie Dee Hampton Owen.