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.