Charles Dexter Owen, Jr.

charles owen,

August 29, 1935 ~ June 21, 2021

Born in: Asheville, NC
Resided in: Asheville, NC

Charles Dexter Owen, Jr., born August 29, 1935 in Asheville, NC to Charles Dexter Owen and Catherine Aitken Owen, died peacefully, surrounded by his family on June 21, 2021.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Cary Caperton Owen, his son, William Caperton Owen, and his sister Nancy Owen Cecil.

He is survived by his wife Mary Gee MacQueen Owen, his children Anne Owen Armfield (Edward), Charles Dexter Owen, III (Eleanor), Diana Owen Harris (Joe), daughter-in-law Deborah Owen-Wilhelm (Dan), sister, Jean Owen Izard, 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

He was educated at Asheville Country Day School, the Asheville School, the Hotchkiss School and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

He began his textile career in 1956 working at his family blanket business, Beacon Manufacturing Company. He founded Owen Manufacturing in 1971 which became the largest single unit blanket producer in the world. Throughout his life, he was a generous community philanthropist improving the lives of many in western North Carolina. He shared his passion for the outdoors with his family and friends.

There will be a graveside celebration of Charlie’s life for all of his many friends and family at Calvary Church Yard in Fletcher, NC at 11:00 am on Friday, June 25 followed by a reception at the Biltmore Forest Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made one of Charlie’s favorite charities including: Pisgah Legal Services, pisgahlegal.org, P.O. Box 2276, Asheville, NC 28802; the Molly Fund at the Asheville Humane Society, ashevillehumane.org, 14 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville, NC 28806; the Brevard Music Center, brevardmusic.org, 349 Andante Lane, Brevard, NC 28712.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.

Services

Graveside Service: June 25, 2021 11:00 am

Calvary Episcopal Churchyard
Hendersonville Road
Fletcher, NC 28732


Funeral Home Assisting The Family:

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704

(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

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  1. So sorry to hear this news. He was happy & engaged during a recent lunch & laughed as old stories were retold. The Brownstein’s & Randall Chestnut send their condolences as Charlie was a unique & fun guy plus being a fierce competitor! RIP Charlie & Prayers with the family.

  2. im very saddened to see of Charlie passing.i will always remember him as a caring .thoughful person.not only as my employer he was also a friend to me and to all who worked at OWENS. i pray GOD will give comfort and peace to the family during this sad times.

  3. Charlie was a wonderfully generous neighbor and friend . He was a giant in the community and his smiling face
    will be missed by many . It was our privilege knowing him.
    Gay & David Cogburn

  4. Charlie was a wonderfully generous neighbor and friend . He was a giant in the community and his smiling
    face will be missed by all that knew him . It was a privilege knowing him.

    Gay & David Cogburn

  5. RIP to a precious man. I worked for Charlie Jr and Carlie III for almost 16 years at Owen Mfg and they were both more like family than anything else. Always so loving, caring and giving in all he did. Such a blessing in my life to have shared a part of knowing him. Fly high Charlie 😢

  6. Very saddened to hear this. Sincere thoughts and prayers to the family and loved ones. Forever grateful!! RIP Charlie

  7. My sincere condolences to the Owen family.
    Our community has lost a Treasure!!

    Annette Coleman

  8. I’m soo sorry to hear that Charlie Owen Jr. has passed !! My sincere condolences to the entire family !! PRAYERS of Peace, Comfort and Strength during this very difficult time of Bereavement !! 💔💔💯

  9. I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great man I had the pleasure or working for all three of them. They all were so sweet and very respectful. I didn’t keep in touch with them but they all made you feel like family. Praying for the family that God will wrap his loving arms around them.

  10. Our sincere condolences to the entire Owen family. Sending much love and prayers. Charlie will be missed.

  11. Only knew Charles through Beattie, Watts,Stevens but he made it fun and memorable for all. It won’t be the same without him. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. Sibley Bryan

  12. With heartfelt sympathy, I send my deepest regrets to the entire family as they mourn the loss of a legend, one who truly touched many lives, including mine. Our business dealings were only a small part of what the Owens showed me – they were, & still are, a huge influence on my life I’m forever great full for having the honor of knowing you all. RIP Charlie, Jr. – you deserve the best.

  13. Charlie was a very special human being and he is surely in Paradise. I will forever miss his beautiful personality. Charlie always made me smile. My sympathy to the entire family.

  14. We have tremendous respect for Charlie Owen and pay our deepest respects to his family. Charlie exemplified hard work and accomplishment in all areas of his life. He was a fine man. Rest in peace-

  15. Charlie and Eleanor, So sorry for your loss. Our heart goes out to you and the family.

  16. Charlie was a wonderful person and friend, the joy he shared, his laughter, his generousity, he will certainly be missed. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family and dear friends. Rest in Peace & God Bless.

  17. I’m very sad to hear of Charlie Jr’s passing….I worked for the Owen family on 2 occasions and will never forget their kindness to me and respected them very much….My family sends our deepest condolences and Sympathies and prayers for the Owen family …..Thank you for all that you have done for WNC and the Swannanoa Valley…..RIP Charlie Jr….Godspeed CC Radford…..Employee 1989-1990 and 2002-2007

  18. Remembering Charlie as a community leader and a very generous man who had a genuine caring for people. He was a role model for many community volunteers and a mentor as an industrial leader. My condolences to his family and many friends.


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