MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Watson

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE OF REVEREND JOHNNIE B. OWENS, SR., AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, Reverend Johnnie B. Owens, Sr., a native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, departed this life on January 31, 2000, causing a great loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, after serving in the United States Navy during World War II, Reverend Owens completed his education at Priest Greek School; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Owens worked as a truck driver for the City of Hattiesburg and with West Brothers Trucking Company for many years; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Owens, who answered his call to the Christian Ministry and was ordained in the late 1950's, pursued his ministerial studies at the Mississippi Baptist Seminary; and

WHEREAS, in 1963, Reverend Owens opened Owens Funeral Home, becoming the first funeral home in the United States with a "viewing of the body drive-thru"; and

WHEREAS, in the late 1970's, Reverend Owens relocated and renamed his funeral home, changing the name to Owens and Sons Funeral Home; and

WHEREAS, in the early 1980's, Reverend Owens founded Owens Limousine Service and in 1995, he opened his second Owens and Sons Funeral Home; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Owens is survived by his lovely wife, Linda Ramey, and many other kind and loving family members:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life and accomplishments of Reverend Johnnie B. Owens, Sr., and express deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Reverend Johnnie B. Owens and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.