William Eugene Owens

Petty Officer William Eugene Owens, U.S. Navy (retired),passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2021 at age 61 in Johnson City, TN. Bill is survived by Daughter, Lindsay (Husband Daniel)Shapiro; Son, Daniel Owens (Fiancée Carly Powell); Sister, Sharon Phillips; Brothers, Tim (Lara) Owens, Brian(Kellyann) Tatum; Step-mother, Glenda Owens; Stepfather, Ronnie Tatum; Nieces Heather England, Tiffany(Matt) Lackey, Soren Tatum, Taylor Owens, Laney Owens, Carrie (Derick)Tabor; Nephews Derick Owens, Dewayne(Emily) England, Jordan Tatum, Skyler Sheppard; Loved by an abundance of Great nieces and nephews He was preceded in death by his parents, Mother, Roberta Tatum and Father, John Owens; Sister, Melissa Owens; Brothers, Patrick Tatum & Johnny Owens; Brother-law, Jessie Philips. Bill served on active naval duty aboard the U.S.S. John F. Kennedy. During his service he was stationed in Egypt, Panama, Spain, Italy, and many other ports. He was very proud to have served his country. A POEM BY DAVID HARKINS You can shed tears that he is gone Or you can smile because he has lived You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him Or you can be full of the love that you shared You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday You can remember him and only that he is gone Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on. Services: Bill will lie in state from 12:00 p.m. Sunday, March 14th until 5pm, at Farrar Funeral Home 162 E Meeting St, Dandridge, TN. All other funeral arrangements will be announced later due to Covid. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society in his name.