Melvin L. Owens' Obituary
Melvin L. Owens, 70, of Chattanooga, passed away Monday, October 23, 2023, at his residence. He was born March 17, 1953 in Chattanooga, Tennessee to Willie D. and Annie Sue Owens. Melvin gave his life to Christ at the age of 14 and was baptized at St. Ruth Primitive Baptist Church. Later, he moved his membership to St. Mary Primitive Baptist Church where he worshipped the Lord for 10 years. Then he moved his membership to Greater Friendship Primitive Baptist Church where he remained until his demise. Melvin was a 1971 graduate of Central High School. Shortly after graduation, he was employed by Wheland Foundry. Melvin enlisted in the Airforce to serve his country. He received an honorable discharge at the end of his service time. After returning home, Melvin was employed again by Wheland Foundry and also Tennessee Valley Authority. In 1989, Melvin purchased a cab and became owner of United Cab and Mercury Cab Companies. Melvin was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Richard Owens and Callie Davenport; maternal grandparents, Richard and Carrie Troupe; parents, Willie D. and Annie Sue Owens; sister, Dorothy Owens; brothers, Jessie Owens, Rickey Owens, and Nathaniel Wiley. Survivors include his children, Jessica (James) Belton of Atlanta, GA, Melvin T. Owens of Chattanooga, Demetrus (Anthony) Gladden, Detra (Antonio) Shackleford, Latisha (Antonio) Menifee, Ricky (Keisha) Coonrod, all of Chattanooga, Carlos Bell of Atlanta, GA, and Marcus (Fig) Moss of Chattanooga; a host of grandchildren; great-grandchildren; brothers, Joe (Mary) Troupe of Valdosta, GA, Vernard (Johnnie) Owens, and Larry Wiley; sister, Linda (Robert) Hinton, all of Chattanooga; a host of nieces; nephews; cousins; other relatives and friends. Melvin will lie-in-state on Sunday, November 5, 2023, from 12:30-5:00 p.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will be Monday, November 6, 2023, at 12 noon at Greater Friendship Primitive Baptist Church with Minister Joe Troupe as the eulogist. Burial in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
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