William Davis Owen

     William Davis Owen, of Charlottesville, Virginia, released himself from Parkinson’s disease and its many complications on Saturday, 07 May, 2016. Bill fought and coped with his illness quietly and let himself die with dignity, faith, and valor in his residence at Westminster Canterbury of the Blue Ridge with his family supporting him. Born 01 December 1940, Bill was 75 when he died.        Bill was a distinguished gentleman of many talents and accolades who pursued and retired from two careers. His studies leading up to his careers earned him a B.A. in English at Randolph-Macon College, an M.A. in Teaching at Duke University, and a Ed.D. in English Education at The University of Virginia, with additional 18 post-doctoral hours in English and Speech. His awards included Phi Beta Kappa, Omichron Delta Kappa with four additional academic awards from Randolph-Macon College and The University of Virginia.        Bill is a retired Professor Emeritus of English, Humanities and Speech from Piedmont Virginia Community College. At PVCC he was awarded the Outstanding Service Award, the Chancellor’s Commonwealth Professor Award, and the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching during the PVCC graduation ceremony of 12 May 2006. At his UVa graduation, he was awarded the Richard A. Meade award as the Outstanding Graduate in English Education.        In addition to his academic career, he also served in the United States Air Force Reserve, and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He joined the Reserve in 1967 while he was teaching at Old Dominion College in Norfolk, VA. He took a leave of absence from ODC and entered Officer Training School at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.        Bill was quite talented in various areas and had many interests. He and his beloved wife, Carole Bradshaw Owen, perfected their culinary skills together, presenting gourmet meals. He maintained two gardens, both bountiful in vegetables and flowers. A creative tailor, he learned how to sew from his mother, and he taught himself how to knit and crochet. He made Carole’s maternity dresses, Sarah-Katharine’s prom dress, and the curtains in their Crozet home. He put his carpentry skills to work and created a lovely rabbit hutch for the family pets.   The family Poodles, Blackjack and Sundance, provided companionship, but particularly to Bill following Carole’s death, as they were his constant shadow. He enjoyed taking art classes and working in his garden at WCBR. A voracious reader, he read books related to current social and political phenomena throughout the world, and he looked forward to sharing and discussing these topics with Carole. Bill admired all genres of art and was energetic in the classroom with his students. He was excited to travel to Europe where he visited Le Louvre, El Prado, Monet and Dante’s homes, and England where he visited Shakespeare’s home. A lover of music, he often listened to Vivaldi and Broadway musicals, in particular, The Sound of Music and The Phantom of the Opera.        Three words, among many, which best describe Bill are “honesty”, “integrity”, and “dedication”; qualities shown in all he did and said. Bill was a charming conversationalist with a keen sense of humor and clever wit, and loved playing with language. He was a loving father and beloved husband who supported and believed in his family in all their endeavors.        He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife of 43 years, Carole Bradshaw Owen. He is survived by one loving and faithful daughter, Sarah-Katharine Owen of Arlington, VA, dear cousins Ray and Cathy Owen of Winston Salem, NC, an “adopted” daughter, Selena Fisher of Crozet, VA, an “adopted” son, Chris Gutshall of Crozet, VA, and their children, Tiffany Marshall, Seth Marshall, and Nathan Gutshall who affectionately called him “Paw-Paw”.        There will be a service for Bill on Saturday, 14 May, at 1:00 in the chapel of Powell Funeral Home, South Boston, Virginia, with visitation at 12:30. A private graveside ritual will follow at Oak Level Presbyterian Church. Bill will lie with Carole, next to his parents, and among four generations of Bill’s maternal lineage.        Bill and his family appreciate all the care given him by the medical professionals and staff members at Westminster Canterbury of the Blue Ridge, The University of Virginia Medical Center, and the Hospice of the Piedmont.        In lieu of flowers, Bill requests that friends and family donate to the National Parkinson Foundation, 1501 NW, 9th Ave., Bob Hope Road, Miami, FL 33136. Donations may also be made to the Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA 22911; Westminster Canterbury of the Blue Ridge Foundation, 250 Pantops Mountain Road, Charlottesville, VA 22911; Tabor Presbyterian Church, Capital Campaign Fund, 5804 Tabor Street, Crozet, VA 22932; and the Charlottesville –Albemarle SPCA, 3355 Berkmar Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22901.<iframe id="tukios_player_512x330" allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="330" scrolling="no" src="https://www.tributeslides.com/videos/embedded_video/5H6GZ65DR8Q7LCLR" width="512"></iframe>