James Clarence Owen

Dr. James Clarence Owen, age 93, of Florence passed away on September 22, 2018. Born October 30, 1924 in Columbia, SC, Dr. Owen was the son of the late Thomas Marvin Owen and Mattie Riley Owen Lever. He graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in chemical engineering, served in the Pacific during World War II as an Ensign in the US Navy aboard the USS LST-552, and subsequently graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1951. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 25 at 3:00pm at Central United Methodist Church in Florence, SC. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 1:30pm at the church. Dr. Owen practiced medicine for over 45 years.Upon his arrival to Florence in 1951, his specialization in obstetrics and gynecology was new in the area. He was instrumental in the opening of a prenatal clinic for low-income patients to which he donated his time each Tuesday for over forty years. Affectionately called Dr. Jimmy, he was loved by many for his kind and humble manner. Always an avid supporter of the Boy Scouts, Dr. Owen was especially pleased when his son and grandson followed him by becoming Eagle Scouts. He took special interest in supporting the arts over the years and providing cultural and educational opportunities for children. Above all else, his devotion to family was his priority. Opera during breakfast, building tree houses and the ultimate playhouse, day trips to Charleston, going to concerts, leftover vegetables blended into pancakes, making water balloons, pulling grandchildren in the red wagon, and his Easter egg hunts made his children and grandchildren feel as if they were the center of his attention. Dr. Owen is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Helen Thomas Owen, and their children: Rosalyn Swan (Jimmy) of Columbia, Marvin Owen (Beth Ann) of Florence, Kathy Gatlin (Ward) of Manning, and Mary Beth Clanton (Robby) of Darlington; his grandchildren Chris Owen, Courtney Landry (Jacob), Kristen Hardaway (William), Claire Adams (Nathan), Mary Kathryn Hulme (Ryan), Frances Keefer (Ben), Thomas Clanton (Kayla), Anna Clanton, and Rosi Clanton; his great-grandchildren Jack Landry, Cora Landry, Luke Landry, Billy Hardaway, Owen Hardaway, and James Hardaway. He was predeceased by brothers, Thomas Marvin and John Tilden Owen and sisters, Thelma Hightower and Mary Fort. The family would like to especially thank Millest Thomas for her loving care as well as all the caregivers at The Manor. Memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church, PO Box 87, Florence SC 29503-0087, the Mercy Medicine Clinic, 500 S. Coit St, Florence, SC 29501, or the charity of one’s choice. Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.