Ralph Victor Owens

Ralph V. Owens Sr. Pacolet, SC. Ralph Victor Owens Sr., 87, of River Ridge Road, widower of Patsy Casey Owens, died Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at his home. Born December 3, 1930 in Union County, he was a son of the late Wilson V. Owens and Sarah Etta Sprouse Owens. He was a retired Auto Mechanic with Cotton Owens Enterprises, and was the owner/operator of Ralph Owens Automotive and R.V. Service. He was the main engine builder for his brothers NASCAR Business, built and designed the original 340 engine prior to Chrysler as well as the first Hemi that went 200 mph. He was the first Fire Chief and helped build/form North Spartanburg Fire Department. He also held several Spartan Mills patents. He was a member of the Lone Oak Masonic Lodge and was a member of Bethany Baptist Church. Surviving are his sons, Ralph Victor Owens Jr. and wife Cindy of Pacolet, Tim Owens and wife Gina of Boiling Springs; daughters, Sandra Mattson and husband Kenney of Boiling Springs, Marieta McLain of Inman Sharon “Cookie” Peeler and husband Wayne of Boiling Springs; brother, Larry Owens and wife Jean of Boiling Springs, 10 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a brother Everette “Cotton” Owens. Graveside services will be 11:30 a.m. Saturday, December 30, 2017 at Good Shepherd Memorial Park in Boiling Springs. The family will be at the home of Tim and Gina Owens, 161 Avalon Drive, Inman, SC 29349. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.harrisnadeaumortuary.com Harris-Nadeau Mortuary 5880 Chesnee Hwy. Chesnee, SC.