ROCKY MOUNT - Wendell Raven Owens, Sr., age 85, passed away January 22, 2022. He was born in Rocky Mount on March 19, 1936. Wendell was the son of the late Henry Bruce Owens and Mary Irene Owens. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Ellen Watson Owens; and his brothers and sisters, Lawrence Dillard Owens, Otis Owens, Willard Owens, Wayne Owens, Mattie Gupton, Bernice Parrish, and Arlene Ellis.

He is survived by his daughters, Wendy Rose and husband, Gary, and Laura Carlton and husband, Mark; his son, Wendell Raven Owens, Jr.; 4 grandchildren,; 2 great-grandchildren; and Mary Currie Owens.

Services will be held Thursday, January 27, 2022 at 2 p.m. at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Visitation with the family will be from 1:00-1:45 p.m. prior to the service.