Fred Owens Sr,

Fred Owens, Sr. also affectionately known as Daddy, Pop, Big Poppa, Uncle Fred and very likely many more nicknames from friends and family. Fred Sr peacefully passed away on Monday, November 7, 2021 at Georgetown Hospital in Washington, DC. He lived an amazing 88 years young, as he would prefer to say.

Born in Winnsboro, South Carolina to Eddie and Dora Owens on November 27, 1932. But in true Fred fashion, he got to celebrate two birthdays. The official record of his birth states December 26, 1932 because, at that time, the mid wife didn’t report the birth to the state until one month later. 

Fred attended St Barnabus Espiscol School. He worked hard and established a notable career in Produce Management working 19 years for Jumbo Foods and retiring with 23 years of service with Giant Food Stores.

A lover of cars, Fred always had a new car every two years having a fancy for the Buick 225 (otherwise known as the Deuce and a Quarter). An avid sports fan and player, Fred played and managed a semi-pro baseball team and was a regular bowler. He was also known as a pretty savvy card player, playing until the end countless games with his grandchildren. He enjoyed taking his family on long car trips to South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia; also visiting amusement parks. The family tradition on Sundays was ice cream at the local Dairy Queen. Fred also loved to cook his signature fried rice, sweet potato pie, and legendary peach cobbler.

Later in life Fred became a Deacon at St. Matthews serving regularly of his duties also singing baritone in the Men’s Choir. Famous for his flair for the dobb hat he wore one every Sunday. A believer in God, he was the go-to for the Sunday or holiday family dinner prayer.

Preceded in death by his wife of 51 years Estelle Mae Owens, eight brothers (Eddie Jr., Luke, Preston, Anderson, George, John Henry, and Judge) and one sister (Doretha Jones). He is survived by his five children Fred Owens Jr. (daughter-in-law Louise Owens) Alvenia Marcella Barlow (son-in-law Spencer Hall Barlow Jr.) Mark Craig Owens (daughter-in-law Rita Owens) Marsha Owens, and Donnell Owens. Fred’s love for his grand and great grandchildren was undeniable, having nine grandchildren (Spencer III, Jamar, Chavarria, Emonnie, Denasha, Markietta, Mark Jr., Donnell Jr., and India) nine great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Fred lived his life full of hard work and love for his family and friends. He was at peace with the life he lived and spending his last years with his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Fred Owens Sr,, please visit our floral store.