Gerald W. “Jerry” Owen, Jr.

Gerald Worth “Jerry” Owen, Jr., 71, of Raleigh, passed away Wednesday afternoon, July 22, 2020 at N.C. Memorial Hospital at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, NC. He was born in Cumberland County to the late Edna Winifred and Gerald Worth Owen, Sr.

Jerry graduated from Pine Forest High School in Fayetteville, NC where he was a gifted football and basketball player. He also attended Methodist University where he was a member of the basketball team and met the love of his life, aptly named Joy. In 1976 he began his long career in real estate sales & development until he recently retired.

Jerry’s belief in Jesus Christ provided him strength daily and was the foundation of how he lived his life and treated others. He served as President of the United Methodist Men, Staff Parish Chairman, and Usher at St. Mark’s UMC. He implemented and led the Alpha Marriage Course along with Joy and another couple, participated in a multitude of bible studies and men’s groups, served in and led the annual Love Feast with Joy for many years, and was a willing and regular participant in hospitality (communion server, parking team, setup/teardown, ushering) wherever there was a need at Edenton Street UMC for over 20 years. Most recently, he served on the parking team at Lifepointe Church.

Jerry was the epitome of a family man and it all began with his ‘beautiful bride’ Joy. They spent 51 years together, married for 48, loving each other, often working together, serving God together, offering their tremendous hospitality whenever given the opportunity all while spending as much time as possible with their daughter and her family. They brought immense joy to his life putting the sparkle in his eyes.

Jerry was an avid Tar Heel fan, passing on this love to his daughter and granddaughters. They enjoyed many games and national championships together. He was an active part of their life in many areas; picking them up from school which always ended up with donuts or anything else they wanted, eating blue raspberry icees, attending their games, competitions, performances, and graduations, taking them to the beach, or anything he could find to spend time with them. He adored his girls. His son-in-law, Ryan, was the son he never had. They shared a love of Carolina and the NY Yankees, enjoying many games together. He was also a practical joker…always good for a laugh. He cherished his time with his close friends and will be remembered always with a smile on his face.

Jerry was the kindest, gentlest soul and would give the shirt off his own back in times of plenty and times of need. For this reason, we request memorial contributions be made to help support others in need through the Community Relief Fund at Lifepointe Church in Raleigh, NC. Please visit www.lifepointechurch.com and select ‘2020 Community Relief Fund’ under the ‘give’ tab and put ‘Owen-Community Relief Fund’ on the memo line.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Joy Warren Owen; daughter, Miriam Owen Migdal & husband Ryan of Raleigh; grandchildren, Mattingly, Gracie and Zoe Migdal all of Raleigh; sister, Annette Owen Jones (Simon) of Fayetteville; brother-in-law Rev. W. Arthur Warren, Jr. (Becky) of Roseboro; special friend, Roger Perry (Linda) of Chapel Hill; 4 nieces, 4 nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his sister, Jean Owen Cashwell.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a memorial service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements by Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC. (919)556-7400