Ralph (Buck) Emerson Owens

A PORTRAIT OF RALPH
Mr. Ralph “Buck” Emerson Owens was born August 1,1952, to Mrs. Effie Hunt Owens and the late James Henry Owens, Sr. He gained his heavenly wings on August 11, 2024, at 12:12 a.m. He grew up in Holly Hill, South Carolina, where he developed a passion of caring for and helping others at a very early age. Ralph often quoted his favorite scripture: Lamentations 3:23, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; there are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “He was blessed with talents that allowed him to meet and reach people in many capacities. He was a devoted and loving father and was the oldest of three sons. Ralph was affectionately known to many as “Babe”, “Daddy”, “Buck”, “Fat Daddy” and “UrleeTymzz.”

The Loving Husband
In the spring of 1990, Ralph’s life was forever changed when he met the love of his life, Flora L. Washington. Unbeknownst to them, they were set to be life partners and best friends for life. Throughout their relationship and many successful business ventures, an unbreakable bond was formed that lasted 34 wonderful years. In their union, Ralph and Flora fostered fundamental principles such as life, family, business, success and most importantly God. Their relationship is truly a testament of the love they shared for one another. There was never a moment where they did not have each other’s back.

The Loving Community
Ralph accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age. His spiritual foundation was established at Bethel AME Church in Holly Hill, SC. He was very active in the AME churches and served in many capacities, including but not limited to, Sunday School Superintendent at Moncks Corner AME and Greater Unity AME Churches. He then joined Olive Branch AME Church where he enjoyed singing on and serving as the president of the Male Choir, as well as serving with the Lay Organization. He later joined New Hope Baptist Church and remained a member until his passing.

Ralph was educated in the public schools of Holly Hill, South Carolina and began his education at Roberts Elementary School. He was a well-rounded achiever, graduating in the top of his class from Roberts High School in 1970. Ralph held the roles of Senior Class President, was a member of the 4-H Club, a member of the Future Leaders of America, a member of and held various roles in student government for four years, and was an all- around lover of sports. He was known as a talker and jokester, from the chemistry lab to Mrs. Cooper’s trigonometry class equations. There was never a dull moment with Ralph.

Ralph was selected as a King Teen Scholar in 1970, attended Wofford College for a period and earned his bachelor’s degree from South Carolina State University. In the Spring of 1985, Ralph crossed the burning sands and became a member of the Xi Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. at South Carolina State University. He was the #9 dawg of the “Obscene 19” line. Throughout his years he enjoyed his brotherhood with the Mu Alpha and most recently Epsilon Nu Nuchapters of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He truly believed that “Friendship Is Essential To The Soul.” In the year of 2000, Ralph became a member of Nehemiah Lodge #5, Charleston, SC.

During his tenure with State Farm, Ralph’s agency led the Southeastern Region in Sales numerous times. His hard work and achievements were reflected in the many accolades that he received for having reached and exceeded his goals. After his retirement in 1996,Ralph continued serving and helping others in his new endeavor as a Senior Loan Officer within the mortgage industry. It was an honor for him to serve and giving back was an attribute he prided himself in. The wonderful relationships and bonds that he formed were extremely transformative in his life. They served as guiding posts that he passed onto his children in hopes that they will utilize them as they pursue their own passions.

During his spare time, he enjoyed golfing, singing, afternoon walks, traveling, attending church and spending time with his family. He was a connoisseur of the news (particularly in the political realm), enjoyed visiting the battery in downtown Charleston, and listening to jazz music by his favorite artist Ahmad Jamal. His favorite gospel song was “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” by Donnie McClurkin.

On August 11, 2024, at 12:12 A.M., Ralph answered the call of our Lord and Savior while surrounded by loving family members. His time here was finished and his work well
done.

He was preceded in death by his father: James Henry Owens, Sr., his sister: Rose Owens, his brother: Larry Emanuel Owens, Sr.

Ralph Emerson Owens is celebrated by: his devoted wife with whom he enjoyed 34 wonderful years, Flora L. Washington Owens; his children: Sarah La’Shay Owens, Sunni La’Naye Owens and Selena Linn Owens of the home; Shanita Racquel Pinchinat and her husband James of Atlanta, GA, Reginald Eugene Scott and his wife Amber of Winston-Salem, NC, Dorrell Richburg of Ridgeville, SC, Krystal Elizabeth Owens of Charlotte, NC; Jason Owens of Charlotte, NC, and a bonus son: Robert Conrad Eaddy of Columbia, SC; his loving mother: Effie H. Owens of Greer, SC (formerly of Holly Hill, SC); his brother: James Henry Owens, Jr. and his wife Angela of Greer, SC; a bonus brother: Andrew D. Campbell of Mount Pleasant, SC; his grandchildren: Alexus S. Owens, Amaru Richburg, and Kenzo Pinchinat; sisters-in-law: Dianne L. Owens, Regenia Frasier, Patricia Washington (Francis), and Carolyn D. DeBarr; brothers-in-law: James Reid, Isaac Washington Jr. (Denise), Willard Wilson, and Sermyer DeBarr; Godchildren: Teyraen Brown, Kadyn Simmons, and Terra Cherrie Gooden; special friends: Marvin Lowery of Charlotte, NC, Benjamin Blanks of Florence, SC, and Drake Holmes of Charleston, SC; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.

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