Edward Stephen Owens, Jr., age 71, of Burgaw passed peacefully from his earthly life on Friday, April 25, 2014 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice and LifeCareCenter.

He was born August 15, 1942 in Wilmington, the son of the late Edward Stephen Owens, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Thomas Owens.

Steve is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Linda Williams Owens; daughter, Joy Lynn Owens Usher (Juston) of Watha; sons, Edward Stephen Owens III (Janelle) and Joseph Harry Owens (Heather) all of Wilmington; grandchildren, Allison Usher, Ashley Usher, Madison Owens, Brooklyn Owens, Ross Owens, Katelyn Owens, Aaron Grace Owens, Will Owens and Graham Owens; brother, Tommy Owens (Laura); sisters, JoAnn Cavenaugh (Earl), Marilyn Roberts, and Frances Smith; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Through the years Steve was active in the Burgaw and Duplin County areas being a former member of Burgaw Jaycees, Buccaneer Country Club, Burgaw Lions Club and Pender Fellowship. Most recently he was a member of Burgaw Baptist Church, Rockfish Country Club and King Solomon Lodge No. 138 A.F. & A.M. where he had served as Past Master.

Steve was a 1960 graduate of Wallace Rose Hill High School and he enjoyed keeping in close contact with many of his classmates. After completing a tour of duty in the US Navy, Steve embarked on 26 years of service in the US Air Force Reserves, completing almost 30 years of service to his beloved country. Steve was one of the original crew members and plank owner of the world's first nuclear powered air craft carrier, the USS Enterprise. He worked as a banker, was in the trucking business, worked in the lumber and building supply business and retired from Brown's Builders Supply in Rose Hill.

Steve's joy in life was his family, especially his grandchildren and his favorite pastime was playing a good game of golf.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 28, 2014 at Burgaw Baptist Church with the Rev. Merrell McKoy officiating with a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the church fellowship hall until hour of the service. Burial will follow in Riverview Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be given in memory of Steve to the charity of your choice.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting "Memory Wall" above.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 28, 2014 at Burgaw Baptist Church with the Rev. Merrell McKoy officiating with a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the church fellowship hall until hour of the service. Burial will follow in Riverview Memorial Park.