Ralph Joel Ownby went to his eternal home on March 4, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Elkmont, Tennessee on March 28, 1927. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He retired as a plant manager from Ready Mix Concrete Company after more than 30 years. He was a faithful member of Fairview Baptist Church and in the last three years enjoyed the sermons every Sunday at home. In earlier years, he enjoyed golf, fishing, and gardening. He was an avid VOL fan and followed them faithfully even during his last days.
He is preceded in death by father and mother, Reverend Fred Walter Ownby and Orlena Whaley Ownby; siblings, Ruth and Bessie Ownby, Ada (Cletis) Wolfenbarger, Wilma (Harry) Davis, Edith (Ted) Reed, Margie (Huber) Rhodes, and Hubert (Polly) Ownby; brothers-in-law, Dennis Underwood, Lawrence Drew, and Burt Farmer; wife, Lucile Cobb Ownby; son, Gerald Ownby; and grandsons, Ian Ownby and Matthew Nicely.
He is survived by wife Alice Nicely Ownby; sisters, Naomi Farmer, Mattie Drew, and Bobbie Underwood; children, Joel Ownby, Jim (Brenda) Ownby, Kim (Terri) Ownby, and Luann Ownby; stepsons, Dr. Eric (Lori) Nicely, Bret (Vicki) Nicely, and Viki Nicely Towe.
He also had 17 cherished grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and was blessed with many loving nieces and nephews.
Family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM on Monday, March 7, 2022 with funeral services to follow at 7:00PM. Burial will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at Fairview Baptist Church Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Fairview Baptist Church, 7424 Fairview Road, Corryton, TN 37721. Arrangements by Bridges Funeral Home, 5430 Rutledge Pike, Knoxville, TN 37924, 865-523-4999. www.bridgesfuneralhome.com.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Ralph Joel Ownby Sr March 28 1927 March 4 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Knoxville, Province: T-N