Gene Frederick Owen

Gene Frederick Owen of Blairs, Virginia, entered the Resurrection Life on December 17, 2022. Born on Tuesday, July 5, 1955, in Danville, Virginia, Gene was the son of the late Willie Smith Owen and the late Ruth Armethia Cox Owen.

He was a graduate of Chatham High School. After finishing high school Gene went to work in several retail venues before beginning a life-long career in automotive transmission repair. At the same time he continued to work on the family farm. Gene's acute mechanical diagnostic ability led to his working with AAMCO Transmission specialists in Danville and in Greensboro. While associated with AAMCO Gene trained nationally and became a trainer of other dealers. Eventually he opened his own transmission businesses in Greensboro and Danville. Throughout his career Gene was known for commitment to customer service and his employees.

A lifelong resident of Blairs, Gene was interested in the betterment of his community. As a member of two large Pittsylvania families, Cox and Owen, Gene had scores of relatives in the Danville area and cared deeply for his family and friends.

He was a committed Christian and was active in his church throughout his life, most recently White Oak Worship Center in Blairs. He was born into Spring Garden Presbyterian Church and attended there for many years with his family. Gene particularly was drawn to outreach ministry, a strong program at White Oak Worship Center.

Gene was predeceased by his older brother, Thomas Boyd Owen of Chatham, Virginia, and his older sister, Betty Owen Hatrick of Leesburg, Virginia. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Linda Owen of Chatham and his brother-in-law, Edgar Hatrick of Leesburg, Virginia. He is also survived by his niece, Elizabeth Hatrick Scheib of Leesburg and nephews, Darrell Owen of Greensboro, Carroll Owen of Henry, Virginia, Eddie Hatrick of Brunswick, Maine, and William Hatrick of Sacramento California. In addition to these immediate family members, Gene is survived by many other relatives and friends. Many of his friends made up his extended family, and he loved them as if they were related.

A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service will be held at White Oak Worship Center on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at 11 a.m., with the Reverend Roger Ewing officiating. A private interment will follow at a later date.

Carolina Cremation Center is respectfully serving the family.