William Melvin "Rocky" Owens, 87, of Otway, passed away on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at SOMC Hospice in Portsmouth.  He was born on April 23, 1934 in Portsmouth to the late William Webster Owens and Zella Mae Tolliver Owens.  On September 19, 1959 he was united in marriage to Edith "Scoot" Rice Owens who preceded him in death on September 20, 2006.  Surviving are his children; Janet Phillips-Owens of Fort Walton Beach, Florida and William Melvin Owens, Jr and his wife Kymberie Hanna Sanford-Owens of Springfield, Tennessee; grandchildren, Holly C Kohlman, William M Owens, III, Jennifer Powell, Jessica Williamson and husband Tyler and Amanda Phillips; three great grandsons, Jack, Truett and Adler; his sister, Norma Jean Morales; his cousin who helped care for him like a brother, David Tolliver and wife Angie; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and numerous cousins; longtime family friends, Judy Johnson and Hollis Hoop and their families.  In addition to his parents, and wife, William was preceded in death by his longtime friend, Janet Teeters Allen.

William worked in telecommunications for over 20 years and proudly served his country in the US Air Force.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at Botkin Hornback Funeral Home in Otway.  Burial will follow in Mustard Cemetery in Rarden.  The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

www.botkinhornbackfuneralhomes.com