Douglas Folsom Owens

Douglas Folsom Owens, 94, of the Fridays Crossing community, passed away peacefully February 17, 2023 at TLC Rehab Center, Oneonta. Born January 4, 1929, Folsom grew up during the Great Depression and like most others who lived during those lean years; he was quite accomplished as a provider for his family. Early in the 1950’s, Folsom followed many of the skilled mechanics from Blount County to Detroit, Michigan, and worked briefly for the Chrysler Corporation, building cars. He returned home in 1953 and was hired by Meadowcraft/Ornamental Iron in Birmingham, where, during his tenure, he rose from welder to Assistant Plant Manager; retiring in 1988 after working 35 years. Folsom was married February 2, 1956, to his life-long sweetheart, FayNell Rowan Owens, who passed in 2018. Folsom was the only son of John Wiley and Evelyn Beasley Owens. His grandparents were Matthew Monroe Owens and Vinette Adaline Moody Owens, Arthur Lain Beasley and Julia Ann Idora Osborn. A sister, Kathleen Owens Underwood, preceded Folsom in death. Sons: Douglas Jerome Owens (Teresa) and Joel Winfred Owens (Patti). Grandchildren: Jessie Owens Barker (Jeremy), Jordan Douglas Owens (Brittany), Jonathan Owens (Candace), Jase Owens (Natalie) and Jaycee Owens. Great Grandchildren: Calleigh Barker, Kennadie Barker, Raylan Owens, Halle Owens, Easton Douglas Owens, and Jenna Owens. Folsom, in his prime, was a hot-rod car enthusiast; building and repairing every car he drove. Contrary to his sober, quiet demeanor, Folsom enjoyed fast cars, and, during his teen years, he often was seen speeding through the streets of Oneonta in his baby blue Chrysler sedan. Mellowed with time and assuming his role as a family man, Folsom and FayNell married and the two of them built their homes on shoestring budgets, carefully scrimping to make their dreams come true. Beginning in 1960 and then in 1963, the births of their sons completed their circle. As a pastime, Folsom enjoyed wheeling and dealing. Bargain hunting for tractors and cars or any other deal was always the thrill of the game. Better known as PaPa, Folsom loved the grandchildren; keeping up with most of their sporting events, even in his advanced years. Every grandchild and great grandchild learned the secret hand motion to signal PaPa to give them dollars. None of the grands ever left PaPa’s house without a dollar bill sticking out of his or her pocket. Funeral will be Monday, February 20, at Snead Baptist Church, 42514 State Highway 75, Snead. Same-day Visitations: Family 10:00-10:30 Friends 10:30-12:00. The noon funeral service will be officiated by Brothers Don Garrison and Jeremy Barker. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Oneonta. Pall Bearers: Jordan Owens, Jonathan Owens, Jase Owens, Ricky Boring, Carl Jennings, and Herbie Boring. Etowah Memorial Chapel, in charge. The family asks that in lieu of floral gifts, donations can be channeled to Snead Baptist Church or a charity of choice.

Douglas Folsom Owens

January 4, 1929 - February 17, 2023