Gary R. Owens

Gary R. Owens

A much-loved husband, father, brother, and friend, Gary R. Owens, age 67, passed from this life on Friday, November 28, 2025, with his family by his side. 

Born on August 14, 1958, in Panama City, Florida, Gary was a man of wisdom, faith, and unwavering guidance.

Gary was a devoted family man, a supportive friend, and a respected community leader. He graduated from Vernon High School in 1976 and began his career with BE&K/Danco Construction, where he traveled for more than twenty years as a pipefitter. Over the years, he also served as a corrections officer and worked in the marine construction industry. For the past two decades, Gary dedicated himself to public service as a city council member and, most recently, as Mayor of the City of Vernon. He and his family also operated Holmes Creek Wildgame Processing.

Generous with his time, Gary was a mentor to many and helped instill a strong work ethic in those he guided. He enjoyed gardening, driving his tractor, raising catfish, and always had multiple projects underway. Gary cherished growing up—and later raising his own family—on Holmes Creek. After a good day of fishing, and there were many, family and friends often gathered at his home for a fish fry. He was truly blessed with lifelong friendships and loved each friend deeply. Gary’s legacy will live on through the lessons he taught and the love he shared.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Francis Owens; his brother, Greg Owens; and his nephew, Jeremy Owens.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Laurie Owens; his sons, John Owens (Brianna) and Cody Humphries; his daughter, Nichole Kennedy, and her husband, Leon; his grandsons, Tanner Kennedy, Gavin Owens, and Bronson Owens; his sisters, Mary Steverson and Vera (Terry) Kirkland; his brother, David Owens (Peggy); his in-laws, Cheryl (Bruce) McCormack, Donna Humphries, and Tray Whitman; nieces & nephews, Mike, Leslie, Kelly, Shannon, Ryan O., Cody S., Ryan K, Tyler, Will and many great nieces and nephews as well as many friends. 

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 13, 2025 at Grace Assembly at Vernon, visitation at 10:00 A.M. and service at 11:00 A.M., with Pastor Chris Smith and Pastor Jerry Sapp officiating.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the City of Vernon Recreation Fund, Gary was a big supporter of Vernon youth programs. 

Brown Funeral Home & Blue Lake Crematory of Chipley, FL is in charge of arrangements.  Family and friends may sign the online register at https://www.brownfh.net/obituary/gary-owens