Joe is survived by his wife, Emma Fay (Gunn) Owens; his daughter, Kiesha (Owens) / Damon Hawkins of Laurel, MD; son, J. Shelby Owens / Wendy Owens of Winston-Salem, NC; and Ebony Owens of Charlotte, NC; three grandsons, Geranger Lewis III, Damon Hawkins, and Isaiah Hawkins; three granddaughters, Kharsyn Owens-Davis, Trinyti Owens- Davis, and Emma Owens; a brother, Asa Owens of Greensboro, NC and a sister, Helen Logan of Old Fort, NC, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Joe Owens graduated from Winston-Salem State University (WSSU). He worked for RJ Reynolds until he retired. Joe loved sports cars and he loved to fish. He enjoyed reading and two of his favorite authors were Walter Mosley and James Patterson. In his spare time, Joe enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, traveling across the United States to visit and share good times. Joe served his country as a U.S. Army soldier during two tours of the Vietnam Conflict/War.

Memorial services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 25, 2022, at Douthit Funeral Services, 515 Specialty Park Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27105Arrangements are in the care of Douthit Funeral Services.