A house RESOLUTION

To express the profound sorrow of the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives upon the passing of Thomas Wayne Owens and to extend the deepest sympaThy to his family and many friends.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened to learn about the death of Thomas Wayne Owens at the age of seventy-six on January, 20, 2024; and

Whereas, born in Union, Tom was the son of the late Vivian Burgess and Clyde Thomas Owens. He attended Dorman High School before going on to attend Spartanburg Junior College, Middle Tennessee State University, and Gardner-Webb University. Before his collegiate baseball career at Spartanburg Junior College and Middle Tennessee State University, Tom proudly joined the United States Air Force where he served as security police in the Vietnam War with a rank of E-4 buck sergeant; and

Whereas, after his schooling and military service, Tom spent 34 years of his life teaching, coaching, and mentoring young people. His career of sharing his love of sports began at Spartanburg's American Legion where he was the head baseball coach from 1973 to 1975. Afterwards, he was a teacher, assistant football coach, and head baseball coach at Dorman High School from 1976 to 1999, at York High School from 2000 to 2001, and at Gaffney High School from 2001 to 2011; and

Whereas, Tom's coaching career proved to be fruitful as he earned a myriad of awards and honors, including: South Carolina High School Baseball Coaches Association Coach of the Year in 1991 and 1997 (Dorman High School), South Carolina High School League Region II-4A Baseball Coach of the Year in 1991 (Dorman High School), North/South Allstar Baseball Game Assistant Coach in 1992 (Dorman High School), Region II-4A Baseball Coach of the Year in 1997 and 1999 (Dorman High School), South Carolina Baseball Coaches Association North/South Allstar Head Coach in 2003 (Gaffney High School), Region III-4A Baseball Coach of the Year in 2006 (Gaffney High School), and North/South Allstar Football Game Assistant Coach in 2008 (Gaffney High School); and

Whereas, Tom's passion for mentoring young men extended beyond the football field and baseball diamond. He views every high and low in life as a learning experience and instilled a "finish the task" attitude in his own children. After Tom's retirement in 2011, he enjoyed passing along his love of sports to his grandchildren and could be frequently seen at games cheering on his "babies" with a bag of popcorn in his hand. He also had a love for the Atlanta Braves, Clemson football, crappie fishing, collecting baseball cards, and home cooking and friends at the Mustard Seed BBQ and Bronco's Mexican Restaurant; and

Whereas, Tom is survived by his wife, Martha "Marty" Wright Owens; his daughter, Brooke Owens Parris (Jeremy); his two sons, Drew Owens (Melissa) and Ross Owens (Stacey); his grandchildren, Greyson Parris, Addy Parris, Logan Owens, Tanner Owens, Avery Owens, Emery Owens, and Asher Owens. Additionally, he also leaves behind his best friend of sixty-six years, Elton Strickland, to continue Tuesday lunch dates at Wade's and bad jokes. Tom is preceded in death by his sisters, Debi Peeler and Sandi Blanchard, who were missed very much. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express the profound sorrow of the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives upon the passing of Thomas Wayne Owens and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Thomas Wayne Owens.

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