Larry Wayne Owens, 71, of Charlotte, NC, passed away on Friday, December 19, 2025, at University Place Nursing & Rehab Facility Charlotte, NC. 

On Friday, December 19, 2025, Larry Wayne Owens, 71, lovingly known as “Skip,” transitioned peacefully to his eternal resting place, to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Larry was born on August 16,1954 in Princeton, West Virginia, to his mother, the late Evelyn Bernice Pearl, and father, the late Billy Warren Owens Sr.

Early in life, Larry attended Hempstead (NY) Public Schools and later Nassau County (NY) Public Schools where he graduated from Long Beach High School. He worked at Long Beach Hospital for over 25 years and retired. After retiring, Larry went back to work as Director of Housekeeping for 12 years at Plainview Hospital and Nursing Home in Plainview, NY and then for three years at West Lawrence Care Center in Far Rockaway, NY, where he finally retired.

Larry became a dad at the age of 19 with his first child Shawntel Owens Millwood, and later had another daughter named Cassandra Tatum. He then married Eura Vandiver and they raised two children, Qaseem Owens and Lisa Hayes. Years later, Larry got remarried to Jeanette Pierre and another daughter was born named Casie Owens.

Larry lived a life empowered by music, family, and loyalty, especially to his beloved New York Jets (win, lose, or heartbreak). Larry was a lover of sports. His weekends were spent watching football, basketball, baseball, and golf. He spent most of his life building memories, relationships, and a reputation for being a man who showed up for the people he loved. Larry was a true music lover. If there was a beat, he could find it—and if there was a dance floor, he wasn’t sitting down. Dancing brought him joy, golf brought him peace, and the color blue fit him just right. He lived life with rhythm, style, and a quiet confidence that made people feel at ease around him. His generosity and compassion touched countless lives.

In 2021, Larry moved to Charlotte, North Carolina to be with the love of his life and fiancée, Shirley Wright. Larry and Shirley shared a love that stood the test of time for many years. She remained faithfully by Larry’s side through the final years of his life, a true partner in every sense of the word.

Larry lived his life his way—full of love, movement, and meaning. He left a legacy of love and kindness and that legacy will continue to inspire us and will never fade. Above all else, Larry was a family man. He deeply loved his children and grandchildren and would do anything without hesitation for his family and those he loved. His love was steady, protective, and unconditional. He didn’t just say he cared; he proved it through actions. Though he is gone, his spirit remains with us always as he will forever be in our hearts.

In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his sister, Teresa Owens and his granddaughter, Arlana Arianna Herron. Left to cherish loving memories are his fiancée, Shirley Wright; his favorite Aunt Margie Pearl; his brother, Billy Owens Jr.; his sister, Trudy McNair; his children, Shawntel, Cassandra, Qaseem (Bridney), Casie, Lisa; special step-daughter, Kisha Howard; grandchildren, Shiloh, Chloe, Braylon, Michael and Amiri; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and many friends.

We celebrate Larry’s life, grateful for each and every precious moment and memories we shared.