William Joseph "Joey" Owens

Obituary The world became a better and funnier place the day William Joseph Joey Owens, Jr. was born on June 25, 1956 in Morehead City, N.C. to William Joseph Owens, Sr. and Geraldine Dildy Owens. Little did his family realize how big of an impact Joey would have on so many lives near and far in the years ahead. The diehard Wolfpack fan made his alma mater of North Carolina State University proud as he rooted his team to victories and supported them in loss. Joes friends knew the special dry-witted man he was, whether the friendships dated back to his hometown of Marshallberg, to East Carteret High School, through college or as co-workers with the North Carolina Department of Transportation Ferry Division where he was a dedicated Safety Officer. After college Joey realized, after a blind date, that an Atlantic girl, Jeannie Hill, was the love of his life and they enjoyed over 26 years of marriage listening to Jimmy Buffet, laughing, writing sarcastic Christmas letters, boating and exploring those Down East waters, gathering with their families, gardening, photography, espousing all things Democrat, speaking up for the downtrodden, worshiping and serving at Ann Street United Methodist Church, and raising their hearts pride and joy, their daughter, Emily. Joey lived a life of gratitude. Despite spending the prime of his life facing tremendous health challenges with a reoccurring brain tumor, brain surgeries and all its ensuing complications and being confined to a wheelchair, he journeyed through it all with humor and without complaint, regularly thanking his beloved wife, his daughter and his special caregiver, Tammy, for their attentiveness. Everyone who encountered Joey family, friend, caregiver or medical attendant is amazed that he never uttered a negative word about anyone or any forthcoming medical tests or procedures, never once saying, Why me?, but rather, Why NOT me (instead of someone else)? Joey was a lover of everything Down East, as evidenced by Emilys surprise gift to him in June to celebrate his 59th birthday. It was a beautiful day off of Harkers Island and it wasnt just because of the clouds breaking away to a blue sky and the sun glistening on Core Sound. The world was made more beautiful because of the fortitude of family, friends and the kindness extended to him and his family. Joey had quietly lamented that he may never see Cape Lookout again, realizing he could no longer go on board or launch his own boat. In true Hill-Owens fashion, Emily determinedly organized a private ferry ride for Joey to once again see The Cape in all its glory, surrounded by a few loved ones, a memory forever etched in our hearts and which fulfilled what would prove to be Joeys last wish. Preceded in death by his parents, Joey is survived by his steadfast wife, Jeannie Owens, who will forever listen to Buffet songs in his honor; his devoted Daddys Girl, Emily Christine Owens of Charlotte; his loving sister, Daphne Lyon and her husband, Ted, of Garner; and his special caregiver, Tammy Davis of Davis, as well as nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends whom he greatly loved. The family welcomes friends to stop by and share their fun and loving stories about Joey Tuesday, November 3, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Brooks Funeral Home. A memorial service of death and resurrection to celebrate his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 4 at Ann Street United Methodist Church, Beaufort, officiated by Rev. Dennis Goodwin and Rev. Eddie Hill, followed by an interment at 3:00 p.m. at the Atlantic Community Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, DUMC Box 3624, Durham, NC 27710 or Ann Street United Methodist Church, 417 Ann Street, Beaufort, NC 28516. Arrangements are by Brooks Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. of Morehead City. Access online obituary and Internet condolences through www.brooksfuneralhomeandcrematory.com. Joey will never know the inspiration and joy he brought to so many lives. Just like that beautifully, perfect day at The Cape, our lives were made more wonderful by having known Joey Owens. As one of Joeys close friends described, He made us all better people while we were in awe of his spirit. Visitation 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. ,Tuesday, November 3, 2015 Brooks Funeral Home 201 Professional Circle Morehead City, NC 28557 Funeral Service 11:00 a.m. ,Wednesday, November 4, 2015 Ann Street United Methodist Church 417 Ann Street Beaufort, NC 28516 Interment 3:00 p.m. ,Wednesday, November 4, 2015 Atlantic Community Cemetery 949 Seashore Drive Atlantic, NC 28511 Services You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of William Joseph "Joey" Owens