Ralph Hughes Owens

Ralph Hughes Owens, 90, went to be with his Savior on Sunday, August 6, 2023, at his residence surrounded by family. Ralph was born in Wilkes County on November 14, 1932, to the late Edith Waters Owens and Oren Herbert Owens.

In 1952, Ralph moved to Newport News, Virginia, to work in the Shipyard as a welder. This is where he met the love of his life, his wife Jackie. They moved to Winston-Salem, NC, in 1967 where they married, and he went to truck driving school.  He worked for Roadway Express and retired after 30 years of service. Ralph and Jackie have lived in Clemmons, NC for 23 years, and have been married for almost 56 years.

Ralph really enjoyed retirement. He was able to travel to many places with Jackie and his family. Hunchback, as he was known by his truck driving friends, continued to stay in touch with former truckers, friends and family members. He enjoyed listening to music, especially blue grass, and gospel, and playing on his guitar. Ralph never met a stranger and was genuinely kind and loving. He had the most perfect smile, and anyone who met him loved him. He loved his family to the fullest, and he loved the Lord.

Ralph was strong and full of life. He battled cancer and lung disease until the very end. He was a fighter, yet so gracious and appreciative of all those who supported him. His caring personality enriched so many people in his lifetime and will forever hold a special place in the hearts of all those who have loved him.

Ralph is preceded in death by his father, Oren Owens and mother, Edith Owens; brothers, Hubert Owens, Buck Owens, and Benny Owens; sisters, Emma Jean Windham, Wilma Healey, and Inez Jay.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Jackie Owens; stepdaughter, Connie Wilson (Chris); grandson, Mitchell Wiser (Shannon); great grandchildren, Owen and Kaydence Wiser; brothers, Joe Owens (Sandra) and Danny Ray Owens (Linda); sisters, Peggy Dobson, Vivian Greene (Lonnie), Sandra Melaga and Sharon Gryder (Jimmy). Ralph shared a very special bond with nephew, Danny Owens (Cindy) and daughter Meredith; and niece, Christy Hayes (Mark) and sons Ty and Cal.  He is also survived by many other nephews and nieces that he loved very much.

Ralph will lie-in-state Friday August 11, 2023, from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM at the funeral home. There will be a celebration of his life held on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at 3:30 PM at Westlawn Gardens of Memory – Open Air Mausoleum Chapel.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Trellis Supportive Care of Winston-Salem. NC, 101 Hospice Lane Winston-Salem, NC 27103, https://www.trellissupport.org/content/ways-give

Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com