John Owens

In Loving Memory of John “Johnny” Lewis Owens
John “Johnny” Lewis Owens, age 67, of Greeneville, Tennessee, passed away on September 14, 2026, at 3:52 p.m.
Originally from Waxhaw, North Carolina, Johnny lived a life filled with hard work, service, family, laughter, travel, and plenty of stories along the way.
He was born to the late Willie Ethel Owens and James Franklin Owens, Sr. Johnny spent a large portion of his life working as a mechanic, a profession well suited for a man who knew the value of hard work and wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty.
Johnny also proudly served his country in the United States military from 1977 until 1995 and was a veteran of the Persian Gulf War. His years of military service were an important part of his life's story and reflected his dedication and commitment.
But Johnny was so much more than his work and military service.
He was funny, hardworking, stubborn, and—when he wanted to be—one of the sweetest people you could know. Those who knew him understood that his personality was entirely his own, and that was part of what made Johnny, Johnny.
He especially loved making children laugh. Many will remember his famous Donald Duck impersonation and his habit of pretending to steal a child's nose. Those silly little moments became the kind of memories that everyone carried with them.
Johnny also loved traveling and making memories with his wife, his sister-in-law, and, of course, his beloved puppies. Whether the destination was somewhere new or simply another adventure together, he enjoyed getting out, seeing the world, and sharing those experiences with the people he loved.
Johnny leaves behind his wife, Mabel Owens, and his children, Courtney Sanchez; Tiffany Appiah-Kubi (Collins); Luna Rae Owens (Dominick Liguori); and Kristi Burkhammer Leopard.
He was a grandfather to Juliana Sanchez, Brion Sanchez, Cristian Sanchez, Romeo Sanchez, Domenik Sanchez, Donald Aldridge, Gabriel Leopard, and Sebastian Hines, each of whom carries a piece of his legacy forward.
He is also survived by his siblings, Jim Owens (Rena), Stephanie Simmons and Joyce Shaeffer. He was preceded in death by his sister, Pamela Owens.
Johnny also leaves behind his niece and nephews, Kelly Ranson, Keith Henley, Jacob Reynolds, Stewart Huneycutt, Thadeus “Tad” Marlow, Bradley “Brad” Marlow, Justin Haas and Cassie Williamson.
Among the many other people who held a special place in Johnny's life are Patricia “Trish” Griffith (Boyd), Wanda Foster and her adult children, along with many extended family members and friends whose lives were touched by his presence.
Johnny's life cannot be summed up simply by the dates he was here. His life is better remembered through the things that made him unforgettable: the sound of a Donald Duck impression that could make a child laugh, a pair of hands that knew their way around an engine, stories from a life of service and adventure, trips taken with the people he loved, time spent with his puppies, his stubborn streak, his humor, and those moments when his softer side came shining through.
He was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a brother, an uncle, a veteran, a mechanic, a friend—and a character all his own.
There will never be another Johnny quite like him.
And while those who loved him will deeply feel his absence, they will also continue to laugh at the stories, treasure the memories, and carry the pieces of him that he left behind.
John “Johnny” Lewis Owens will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and never forgotten.
Johnny will be cremated through Jeffers Funeral and Cremation Services in Greeneville, Tennessee.
May we remember Johnny not only with sadness because he is gone, but with gratitude for the 67 years of life, laughter, love, service, adventures, stubbornness, and memories he gave to those fortunate enough to know him.