Hardy Melrow Ownbey

Hardy Melrow Ownbey, 86, of Ridge Road, Asheville, died Monday, December 24, 2012, following a brief illness. Mr. Ownbey grew up in the Garren Creek community, Fairview, and was a son of the late Andrew C. and Fannie Crawford Ownbey. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Lena Earwood Ownbey; sisters, Ruth Summey and Sue Harris, and brothers, Clarence Ownbey and Frank Ownbey. Mr. Ownbey was a very creative person who managed to accomplish much from a humble background. At various times, he worked as a carpenter, a farmer; he raised trout and built log homes. He enjoyed gospel music and was a former member of the "Back Porch Singers". He was an active participant with the annual Coon Hunters' Supper. He was a life-long member, deacon and song leader at Laurel Springs Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, Inez Hipps Ownbey; daughters, Maxine O. Parsons-Kogut, Loretta Hooper, Marilyn Staak, Inez (Roy) Alexander, and Tennette (Roy) Curry; a son, Melrow (Nancy) Ownbey; grandchildren, Thad Parsons, Scott Hooper, Angelena Woon, Jennifer Staak, Julie Staak, David Alexander, Jeffrey Alexander, Candace Curry, Chad Ownbey, and Marlena Boyce; a great-grandchild, Tristan Boyce; two sisters, Avilene Davis and Rhoda Nesbitt; a brother, A.C. (Anne) Ownbey, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be at 3:00 p.m. Friday at Laurel Springs Baptist Church with the Revs. Robert M. Harris, Chester Owenby, and Ray Hipps officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Thursday at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue and again one hour prior to the service at the church. Donations in Hardy's memory may be made to Laurel Springs Baptist Church, PO Box 1424, Fairview, NC 28730.