Edward “Clifford” Owenby, 99, of Hendersonville, NC, passed away January 31, 2023, peacefully surrounded by his family. He was born in Henderson County, North Carolina to Zeb and Lena (Brown) Owenby in March of 1923. He grew up in Edneyville with his two brothers Carl and Tommy and sister Grace. He attended Edneyville High school (class of 1941), where he developed a lifelong love of basketball. He played basketball all 4 years of high school, averaging 18 points per game, leading EHS to runner up in the State Championship game, losing by only 1 point.
He left Henderson County in 1941 to serve his country in the US Army. He was a paratrooper in the 82ndAirborne Division until being wounded on his last jump and he was awarded a Purple Heart. During his time in the army, he jumped into north Africa, served in Italy and many other European countries. When he returned home from the war, he spent 25 Years driving for Queen City Trailways Bus Company, where he drove one million miles without one accident! He had many fond memories driving the people of Henderson County to and from work every day and LOTS of good stories! He went on to open several businesses in the Chimney Rock area including Gift Shoppes and Jeans Donut Shoppe. He was co-owner of Owenby’s Jewelers and City Bus Company. He was a dedicated, hard-working man, who didn’t fully retire until he was well into his 80s (only then, because we made him!)
He was a devoted father, grandfather and great grandfather. He is survived and missed by his daughter, Jean Owenby Heatherly (Rip, deceased) and his son Zeb Frank “Buz” Owenby (Linda). He is reunited in heaven with his son, Timothy Austin Owenby (Donna). Forever cherished and remembered by his grandchildren, Angela Heatherly, David Heatherly, Celena Lawter (Matt), Casey Owenby (Krissy), and Christal Owenby Beaird (Ray) and his four great grandchildren, Taylor and Alivia Owenby and Brooklynn and Liam Beaird.
A Celebration of Life will be held on March 4, 2023, at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church at 1:00pm. This would have been his 100thbirthday!
His heart of this world may have failed but his spirit was stubbornly strong:
When peace, like a river attendeth my way
When sorrow like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.