Smithfield – Elmer Leon Owens, age 87, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at his home of Smithfield. Born, May 27, 1934, he was a son of the late Bernice Lee Owens and Jessie Hopson Owens in Harnett County. He is preceded in death by his wife Mrs. Janet Daughtry Owens, brother, Bernice Lee Owens Jr., and sister, Mary-Frances Owens. Elmer was a member of Sharon Baptist Church in Smithfield. He worked at Collins Inc. as a small engine mechanic for 60 years, and served on the fire department for 37 years. During his later years of service, he served as assistant chief. He was one of the first members of the rescue squad to receive scuba diving training to recover drowning victims. He was an athlete in his earlier years and he enjoyed sports. He loved his chihuahuas, but most importantly he loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, June 19, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Parrish Funeral Home in Selma with the burial to follow in Sunset Memorial Park in Smithfield. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

He is survived by his children; Leon Owens and wife Judy of Winterville and Jon Owens and wife Jennifer of Selma; daughter, Tammy Hunt of Smithfield; two grandchildren, Brook Mitchell, husband Josh and their children Sophie and Carter all of Winterville and Reid Owens, wife Jess and their children Henry, Edith and Nathaniel all of Danville, VA.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Johnston County Fire Fighters Association at P.O. Box 300, Micro, NC, 27555.