Obituary of William M. Owens

We pause today to celebrate the life of William Miles Owens, also known by “Billy O,” who was born on December 24, 1940, to Dimple and Gordon Owens. He transitioned from this earthly life to eternal life on Tuesday, May 7, 2019.

William was the second of three children born to this union. 

William, at an early age, chose Jesus as his Savior. He was baptized at St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church.

William received his early education in Davidson County public schools and was graduated from Pearl High School. He also attended Tennessee State University, joining the ROTC. 

William worked at Meharry Hospital. He was a member on the Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center steering committee, working to get Matthew Walker opened.

William moved to Memphis, Tennessee, and lived there for many years before returning to Nashville to be closer to his family. He was very active in the Civil Rights movement in both Nashville and Memphis, participating in many sit-ins and marches. Pictures of William during the sit-ins and marches are still displayed at Hadley Park and in the Nashville Public Library downtown.

William joins his mother and father; his sister, Nettie R. Simpson; brother, Henry Owens; and nephew, Alvin Owens. He leaves to cherish his memory, brother, Sterling Jackson; sister-in-law, Lois Owens; cousins, Emmett Sonny Eskeidbge, Ruby Jean Darden, and Juanita Brown; and his devoted nephews and nieces, who called him “Uncle Bubba,” Michael Owens, Daryl DeWees, Patricia Malone, James, Dimple, and Jessica Simpson; a host of great-nephews and nieces; and other devoted relatives and friends.