| Sources |
- [S75] Atchley Funeral Home Records, Volume II, 1955-1973, Larry D. Fox, (Smoky Mountain Historical Society), 2 Apr 1958.
Nina Ellen Ownby obituary
- [S84] E-Mail, Manda Fox [mgfoxx@iol24.com], 2 Aug 2004.
- [S23] Atchley Funeral Home, (http://www.atchleyfuneralhome.com/), 19 Jun 2012.
Claude Oliver Ownby, Jr.
November 26, 1934 - June 19, 2012
Birthplace: Sevierville, Tn
Resided In: Sevierville Tennessee USA
Visitation: June 21, 2012
Service: June 21, 2012
Cemetery: Middle Creek Cemetery
Claude Oliver Ownby, Jr., age 77, of Sevierville, passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at his residence. He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude Ownby, Sr. and Nina Lindsey Ownby, and his brother, Billy J. Ownby.
Claude was a member of First Baptist Church of Sevierville. He was employed at Sevier County Electric System for 21 years. He and Maxine owned and operated C&M Custom Frames for 33 years. He was also a certified clock repairman. Claude served as a Sevierville City Alderman for 19 years, including 8 years as Vice-Mayor. He was a dedicated public servant, serving in the United States Air Force, on the Boards of the Sevier County Electric System, Sevierville Chamber of Commerce, the Boys and Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains, and as a Sevier County Judicial Commissioner.
Claude was active in many civic organizations and was a graduate of Leadership Sevier Class of 2003, past Master of Mountain Star Lodge #197, a member of the Knoxville Scottish Rite Bodies, a 32nd degree Mason, Kerbela Shrine Temple, Knoxville York Rite Bodies, and Sevierville OES # 138.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Maxine; daughters and sons-in-law, Terri and Steve King, Melissa and Eddie Flanagan and Anne Marie and Doug Ivey; grandchildren, Andrew and Adam King, Erin and Emily Flanagan; sister-in-law, Mary Ownby; brother-in-law and wife, David and Jean Maranville; several nephews and cousins. The family would like to thank Bryan Atchley and the staff of Sevier County Health Care Center, CARIS Healthcare Hospice caregivers, and the many friends who visited during Claude’s illness.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church of Sevierville, 317 Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37862 or the Hearing and Speech Foundation, 1652 East Broadway, Maryville, TN 37804.
The family will receive friends 4-6:45 PM Thursday with a Celebration of Life service following at 7 PM at First Baptist Church, Sevierville with Rev. Jerry Hyder and Rev. Scott Andrews officiating. Family and friends will meet 10 AM Friday at Middle Creek Cemetery for graveside service and interment. Arrangements by Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville. (www.atchleyfuneralhome.com)
- [S106] The Mountain Press, 19 Jun 2012.
Sevierville Alderman Claude Ownby dead at age 77
SEVIERVILLE — Veteran Sevierville City Alderman Claude Claude Ownby Jr. died Tuesday at the age of 77 after battling a brain tumor for several weeks.
Ownby was first elected to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen in 1993, the largest voter getter among four candidates. He has served since then, helping lead the city through unprecedented growth. He also was a businessman, owning his own store for many years and later serving as the county's bridge inspector.
The family will receive friends from 4-6:45 p.m. Thursday with funeral service to begin at 7 p.m. in the West Chapel of Atchley Funeral Home. Interment will be at 10 a.m. Friday in Middle Creek Cemetery.
A complete obituary will appear in Thursday's edition of The Mountain Press.
- [S106] The Mountain Press, 20 Jun 2012.
Alderman Ownby dead at 77: Remembered for his love of the city
by STAN VOIT and DEREK HODGES
SEVIERVILLE— He could be stubborn. Once he made up his mind it was hard to change it. But nobody ever doubted Claude Ownby's love of the city of Sevierville and dedication to what was best for it and the residents.
Claude Oliver Ownby Jr., died Tuesday after a long battle with a brain tumor. He was 77.
"I could probably fill the whole front page talking about him," Sevierville Mayor Bryan Atchley said.
Ownby was elected to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen in 1993, the biggest vote getter among four candidates. Atchley was elected mayor two years later.
"I don't know anybody I have ever been associated with who had such a heart for the city as Claude," Atchley said. "He could be stubborn, but that's what I liked about him. He was never self-centered. It was always what was best for the city. I lost my best friend."
Ownby and his wife Maxine ran C&M Frame Shop for many years, first in downtown Sevierville and in later years from their home. Ownby also spent some time as the county bridge inspector.
When he was elected to BOMA in 1993 it was his first first try for public office.
Ownby and former Sevierville police chief Robbie Fox knew each other when Fox was still a Gatlinburg police officer.
"We used to go fishing together," Fox, now chief of security at Dollywood, said. "When he got on the Board of Mayor and Aldermen he was a supporter of mine. We were friends a long time. Claude never did anything for personal gain. It was always for the people. Personally, I lost a very good friend. But the city and county lost a very good friend as well."
"I had a great deal of respect for Claude and his commitment to serving the people of Sevierville," said David C. Verble, president and CEO of Citizens National Bank. "He will be greatly missed by all who knew him."
Alderman Dale Carr visited Ownby at Sevier County Nursing Home on Monday afternoon before the BOMA meeting that night.
"He was in dire straits then," Carr said. "I could tell he didn't have long. He was a terrific man and a wonderful representative of the city."
Alderman Travis McCroskey, who lost his father last week, has to deal with another personal loss.
"It's a sad day in Sevierville," McCroskey said.
Alderman Wayne Helton, serving his first term on BOMA, has known Ownby all his life. Their homes were near each other.
"We're both just good old Sevierville boys," Helton said. "I just have a lot of respect for him. I considered him a gentleman and a scholar. It's a great loss for our town."
The family will receive friends from 4-6:45 p.m. Thursday with funeral service to begin at 7 p.m. in the West Chapel of Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville. Interment will be at 10 a.m. Friday in Middle Creek Cemetery. The complete obituary will appear in Thursday's Mountain Press.
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