Donald Franklin Owen

Donald Franklin Owen, age 84 of Clarkston, GA went to his heavenly home December 30, 2013 at Hospice Atlanta after a lengthy battle with cancer. Don was born in Charlotte, North Carolina August 23, 1929, the only son of William (Bill) and Sue Owen. They moved to Decatur, GA in 1936 and were members of First Baptist Church of Decatur. Don graduated from Decatur Boys High School in 1947. He had an ROTC scholarship to Georgia Tech and graduated in 1951 with a degree in Industrial Management. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. He served in the Navy on the destroyer USS Haynsworth among others, mainly in the Mediterranean Sea, for three years during the Korean War. In addition to his active duty Don served 17 years in the Navy Reserves as a Lieutenant. From his first marriage to June Hardy he had three sons: David, Gary, and Ron. After the Navy, Don worked at First National Bank of Decatur and he also worked in the insurance industry for many years. For his remaining career he was a business owner and commercial real estate broker focusing on investment properties. Don married Mae Smith McGill in 1977 and they have been members of First Baptist Church of Avondale Estates for over 30 years. Don pointed his sons to Christ and his faith was evidenced by his unselfish love.
Don took his sons on many camping and hiking trips which they will always remember. He enjoyed people, his family, dancing with Mae, the outdoors, and Braves baseball. He was an avid tennis player throughout his adult life until age 83 and he enjoyed playing with friends at Dekalb Tennis Center. He also cherished his penny ante poker games with his buddies. He loved vacationing at Daytona Beach, FL and near Gulf Shores, Alabama. Don was a positive thinker and a kind and caring soul even through his final health struggles. He is survived by his wife Mae, sons, David of Grayson (Traci), Gary of Tucker (Karen), Ron of Johns Creek (Amy), and his stepson Randy McGill of Peachtree Corners; 10 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed and we give thanks to God for his life! Family Visitation will be Saturday 1/4 2-4PM at AS Turner & Sons in Decatur, and the Funeral Service will be Sunday 2PM at 1st Baptist Church of Avondale Estates followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to: 1st Baptist Church of Avondale Estates Building Fund, 47 Covington Rd., Avondale Estates, GA 30002.


Funeral Home:
A.S. Turner
2773 N. Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033