George Edward "Cotton" Owen Jr

George Edward "Cotton" Owen, Jr., 65, self-employed businessman and resident of Hampshire Pike, died Saturday, June 14, 2014 at NHC Hillview. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday at 2:00 P.M. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Rev. Jeff Jacob officiating. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens with military honors provided by Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. The family will visit with friends Monday from 4:00 - 8:00 P.M. and Tuesday from 12:00 - 2:00 P.M. at the funeral home. The family suggests memorials to Caris Hospice, 1412 Trotwood Avenue, Columbia, TN 38401. Condolences may be offered online at www.oakesandnichols.com. Born May 7, 1949 in Birmingham, Alabama, he was the son of Jane Margaret Benderman Owen of Columbia and the late George Edward Owen, Sr. He attended Hay Long High School and served in the U. S. Army for three years. Mr. Owen began his career operating the Lion Service Station on Hatcher Lane for several years. He was former owner and operator of Owen's Automotive and Columbia House of Honda. He received his private pilot's license in 1981. Mr. Owen had a love for classic cars and race cars and his favorite pastimes include drag racing and boat racing. He was a member of the Middle Tennessee Road Riders, Duck River Woodturners, and attended Craft Memorial United Methodist Church. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife whom he married November 25, 1970, Pat A. Owen of Columbia; son, Kevin E. Owen of Columbia; daughter & son-in-law, Tracy & David Rose of Columbia; brother, Danny "Goober" Owen of Columbia; grandsons, McKenly Caden Owen and Kannon Edward Owen, both of Columbia; granddaughter of the heart, Paige Cheek of Columbia; brother-in-law, Paul E. Bordner, Sr. of Anna Maria Island, Florida; nieces and nephews, Callie Roberts, Shannon Owen, Paul Bordner, Jr., Patrick Bordner, Sue Ellen Bordner O'Brien; and several great nieces, great nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins; many dear friends; and Maggie Rose, a beautiful dog that came into his life in December 2013 and became his loyal and faithful companion. Active pallbearers will be McKenly Owen, Kannon Owen, Dr. Campbell Sowell, Dr. Andrew Sisk, Dr. Andy Woodard, Bill Shelton, Mike McDonald, and Willie Wyatt. Honorary pallbearers will include his first cousins, friends at Peter's Landing in Linden, Jimmy Campbell, Mike Olsen, and Lene Laursen. The family expresses a special thank you to Brenda Malugin, the staff of Caris Hospice, and the staff of NHC Hillview.