Dewey "Duke" Owenby

Dewey "Duke" Owenby

May 22, 1937 - August 21,2026

Dewey "Duke" Owenby, age 89, of Cleveland, Tennessee, passed away on Friday, August 21st, 2026. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, Duke brought genuine joy, kindness, and light into every room he entered.

Born on May 22, 1937, in Cleveland, Tennessee, Duke was a proud graduate of Bradley Central High School, Class of 1956. At the age of 16, Duke made the most important decision of his life when he asked Jesus into his heart and was baptized-a foundational faith that guided him throughout his entire journey.

The true cornerstone of Duke's life was his beloved wife, Joan. The moment he met her, he knew he loved her, often declaring that marrying Joan was the greatest thing that ever happened to him. Together for 69 years and married for 63, their enduring partnership was a beautiful testament to devotion, commitment, and unconditional love.

Duke lived a life full of vitality, energy, and curiosity. An athlete in his younger years, he maintained a lifelong dedication to keeping fit and loved starting his days with early morning walks. He was an enthusiastic sports fan who loved watching and listening to games, as well as an avid reader with a deep appreciation for history. Patient, encouraging, and unfailingly positive, Duke was known for never having a negative word to say about anyone.

While he held many interests, Duke's ultimate passion was his family. Nothing brought him greater happiness than supporting, cheering for, and spending time with those he loved. He invested an immeasurable amount of time and affection into the lives of his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, leaving a legacy of encouragement and warmth that will carry on for generations.

Duke was preceded in death by his parents, Dillard and Annie Owenby; his brothers, Ray Owenby and Stewart Owenby; and his sisters, Flossie Bettis and Judy Phillips.

He is survived by his cherished wife, Joan Owenby; his daughters and sons-in-law, Kelly and Mark Mason, Sandy and Scott Williams, and Jill and John Tanner; his sisters, Ina Sue Anderson and Vickie Ogle; his grandchildren, Jacob Mason (Briley), Maggie Yaun (Brandon), Sam Williams (Mary Elizabeth), Joe Williams, Ben Williams, Addison Park, Isabella Livesay (Chase), and Patrick Patel; and his great-grandchildren, Graham Mason, Callahan Mason, Margo Yaun, Booker Yaun, Mary Margaret Williams, Avery Livesay, Lilly Livesay, and Lola Livesay. He is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

The family will receive friends for a visitation on Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at The Ridge Sanctuary at Companion Funeral & Cremation Service, located at 2412 Georgetown Rd NW in Cleveland, Tennessee. A service celebrating Duke's life will immediately follow at 6:00 PM. A graveside service is to follow at Hiwassee Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Duke's honor to the Avenue Church Food Pantry.

"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7