William H. Owen III

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - William Henry Owen III passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007. He died surrounded by his family at home here in Charlotte.

He was born in Buffalo, N.Y. on May 21, 1919 to Genevieve Diebold Owen and William Henry Owen Jr. He graduated with honor from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, N.Y. in June 1941 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

He volunteered to serve his country by joining the Navy prior to the out break of World War II and served in the Pacific. He was discharged honorably after six years with the rank of Lt. Commander.

He married Babs Gottfried on June 5, 1943 and they celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary this year.

Mr. Owen and his wife resided in the Castle Haven area of Dorchester County for over 40 years.

Besides his wife he is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Linda and C. Richie Gibson of Charlotte and a brother, Robert D. Owen.

He was preceded in death by his son, William H. Owen IV, in 1971 at age 21.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, at First Baptist Church of Weddington.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be sent to First Baptist Church of Weddington at 348 Providence Road South, Weddington, NC 28173 for their building fund.

McEwen Pineville Chapel is in charge of arrangements.