Joshua Pernell Ownby
(June 23, 2009)
Joshua Pernell Ownby (Josh)
of Cleveland, passed away suddenly, Tuesday, June 23, near his grandfather's
home in Tellico Plains. Josh lived in Cleveland with his father, but his heart
was always up here in the mountains. He was joined in death by his beloved
grandfather and mentor, Wayne Gay, who gave his life trying to save Josh. Josh
was a very special young man. He had a winning personality and the most
charming smile you ever saw. Like his Papaw, he loved the outdoors. They
hunted, fished and went camping together. I can just see them now riding the
roads of Heaven together looking for a place to build a little cabin. He loved
guns and was an excellent marksman. He had planned to join the Marines when he
got out of high school. He would have made a great one. Josh had a lot of
potential and we don't know why these things happen. Maybe one day we will, but
we all are better off and far richer people for the 15 years we were blessed by
having him here with us.
He was 15.
Preceded in death by: uncles,
Darryl Ownby and Larry Carroll; and cousin, Forrest Carroll.
Survivors include:
mother-Lora Gay of Tellico Plains;
Father and stepmother-Pernell
and Sheryl Ownby of Cleveland;
Brother-Jacob Ownby of
Tellico Plains;
Sister-Brandi Cripe and
husband, Brian of Georgia;
Stepbrothers-Chad Ross and
wife, Fran of Jasper; and Scott Ross of Cleveland;
Several nieces and a nephew;
Grandparents-Betty Gay of
Tellico Plains; and Ray and Myrtle Ownby of Cleveland;
Great-grandmothers-Mamie Sue
Gay of Tellico Plains; and Mae Rymer of Reliance;
Many aunts and uncles;
Cousins-Felicia Gay, Chase
Gourley, Nick Talley, Noel Carroll and Kirk Ownby and wife, Libby;
Very special friends-Josh
"Cricket" Bain, Chris Mead, Marcus Jones, Taylor "Tater" Orr and Justin
Bradley.
Funeral services were 2 p.m.,
Saturday, at Towee Baptist Church in Reliance, with Rev. Larry Walker and Rev.
Larry Bryant officiating. Interment was in Witt Cemetery. Biereley-Hale Funeral
Home, Tellico Plains, in charge of arrangements.
