David Clifton Owen

David Clifton Owen, age 85, of Gainesville, Georgia, passed away from COVID complications Thursday, February 17, 2022 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center with his wife and children by his side. 

The son of the late Ralph and Montine Pethel Owen, he was born in Gainesville April 13, 1936.  David graduated from Gainesville High School in 1954 and attended North Georgia College until he enlisted in the US Navy where he served five years. His time in the Navy took him to Guam where he met the love of his life, Diane Carter, whom he married in 1957. Following his Naval service, David and Diane returned to Gainesville in 1960 where he joined his father at Reeves Furniture Company which he owned and operated until 1988. From 1980 until 1988, David served on the Hall County Board of Tax Assessors, serving three years as Chairman. After Reeves Furniture Company closed in 1988, David began a second career as a Personal Property Auditor for Hall County until his retirement in 2002. 

After retirement, David and Diane enjoyed spending time at home with their children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren. They also loved traveling as well as volunteering at First Baptist Church in Gainesville.  Outside of his family and friends, his greatest passion was his immaculate yard which he worked in tirelessly until he recently became ill. 

David was a life-long member of the First Baptist Church of Gainesville and was an active member of the Anglers Sunday School Class. He was a life member of BPOE #1126, where he served on the House Committee and several other committees. His love of his fellow Anglers and Elks brought him a multitude of lifelong friends. He was a little league baseball coach and coached midget football for several years where he had such a positive impact on his players. 

Cherishing his love and memories are his beloved wife of 65 years, Diane Carter Owen of Gainesville; son, David Mark Owen and wife Michele of Gainesville; daughter, Kathy Owen of Newnan; grandson, Robert Norton, Jr. and wife Cathryn of Denver, Colorado; granddaughter, Kate Norton Wren and  husband Bo, of Newnan; granddaughter, Maggie Norton Tomberlin and husband Shawn of Alpharetta; grandson, David M. Owen Jr. and wife Brittany of Gainesville; granddaughter, Jennifer Owen Fuller and husband Mark of Gainesville; 9 great grandchildren who adore their “Papa”; brother, Dr. R. Glen Owen and wife Christie of Augusta, GA; a number of cousins, nieces and nephews;  and best friend Ben Reed of Gadsden, AL.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, March 5th at 2PM in the chapel of First Baptist Church in Gainesville. David’s family welcomes all who knew and loved him to join them in the celebration of his life. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to First Baptist Church, Ministry of Caring, 751 Green Street, Gainesville, GA 30501 or the charity of your choice.  

Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, Georgia is in charge of arrangements. For online condolenceswww.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com