Mr. John Oscar “Johnny” Owen, age 81, of Dalton, Georgia, departed this life Monday, March 23, 2026, at his residence.

Johnny was born June 23, 1944, in Dalton, Georgia, a son of the late Robert Oliver Owen, Sr. and Ruby Mae Seay Owen. He was also preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Robert Owen, Jr. and Barbara Baker Owen.

A 1962 graduate of Valley Point High School, Johnny continued his education at Reinhardt College in Waleska, Georgia, where he earned his associate degree, and later received his bachelor’s degree in business and accounting from the University of Georgia in Athens. He then entered the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War—an experience that reflected his deep love for his nation and sense of duty.

Johnny went on to build a long and steady career, retiring from Beaulieu of America as an account manager after more than thirty years of service. He was also a longtime member of VFW Post #4985 and Hill City Masonic Lodge #319, maintaining his membership for over fifty years.

A deeply private man, Johnny lived a quiet and simple life. He was a man of few words, but those who knew him understood the depth of his character, his steady presence, and the love he held for his family and his country.

He is survived by his nieces and nephews, Robert “Rob” Owen; Tracy and Norman White; and Sonya and Russ Covington, all of Dalton; great-nieces and great-nephews, Olivia Owen, Bo Owen, Melina White, Mekala and Garrett Salmon, Christina and Bruno Jones, and Sydney and Brady Foster; great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews, Rustin Murray, Brewer Salmon, Makenna Salmon, and Hattie Foster; along with a number of cousins.

Services to celebrate the life of Mr. John Oscar “Johnny” Owen will be held Friday morning at 9:00 a.m. at Ponders Melrose Chapel, with family and close friends sharing memories of his life. He will be laid to rest at Cove Cemetery. Bo Owen, Rob Owen, Russ Covington, Norman White, Garrett Salmon, and Brady Foster will serve as pallbearers. Masonic graveside honors will be provided by the members of the Hill City Lodge #319 and the Tri-County Masonic Memorial Team.

 Click here to view services of John Owen

The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Thursday, and again Friday morning from 8:00 a.m. until the service hour.

Arrangements are entrusted to Ponders Melrose Chapel, Dalton, Georgia. “Your Selected Independent Funeral Home”