William Henry Owens, Jr.

William H. Owens Jr., 90, a long-time resident of Laurel MD, residing at Lake Anna, VA, died March 7, 2021, in his home surrounded by his loving family.  He was born September 30, 1930 in Laurel and attended Laurel High School.

Bill was a US Navy Veteran aboard the USS Wright during the Korean War. 

Bill was referred to as “Billy”, “Bad Bill”, the “Big WHO”, “Granddad”, and “Pops”, but whatever he was called, he always answered with a huge smile and dancing eyebrows.

His absolute pride and joy were his family.  Bill and his wife of 66 years, Jo, were both Thoroughbred Horse Trainers.  As the family business, they raised, broke, and trained Thoroughbreds on the family farm called Mon-Ho-Prin Farm in Laurel, and from Barn 18 at Laurel Park Race Track.  Almost everyone he came in contact with loved and respected him.

Bill is survived by his wife Josephine S. Owens, and only sister Betty O. Gales; his four children, William H. Owens III and wife Lynn, Mark S. Owens, Rebecca J. Williams and husband Larry, Thomas S. Owens and wife Lauren; grandchildren William H. Owens IV and wife Alexandra, Rebecca L. Johnson and husband Ryan, Keith R. Williams and wife Allison, Kelly J. Williams and fiancé Vernon, Shipley T. Owens, Congetta J. Owens; great-grandchildren Bridger W. Johnson, Brooke K. Johnson, Joleen M. Owens, Raelyn J. Owens, Emma G. Williams, Billie M. Owens; and personal nurse Kimberly Wolfe and wife Kelly.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William H. Owens Sr. and Marie L. Owens.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions a private funeral service will be held on Friday, March 12, 2021, at Donaldson Funeral Home.  Following the service, a private burial will take place at Ivy Hill Cemetery, Laurel MD.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Heartland Hospice Services of Charlottesville via online at: heartlandhospicefund.org\donate or via US mail at: Heartland Hospice Services, 493 Blackwell Road, Suite 319, Warrenton, VA 20186 ATTN: Memorial Fund

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