Wendell Owenby, 91, went to sleep in the Lord on November 23, 2024

He was born on April 22, 1933, to Troy and Blanche Owenby in Western North Carolina.

After graduating from Bay High School, Wendell enlisted in the United States Navy, fighting in the Korean Conflict. Following his naval assignment, he returned home to Panama City, where he retired from the United States Postal Service in 1991.

In 1956, Wendell met Jacqueline Stanford through friends at Johnson's Carpet Golf in Panama City, Florida. He was the reigning course record holder. This must have impressed Jackie immensely, because wedding bells rang in March of the very next year.

Wendell and Jackie were quite a team for the Lord. They spent their lives working to spread and live out the Gospel. Many people can attest to their faithful visitation sessions after Sunday dinner. They were always among the first to lend a caring hand, a loving touch, or to just sit with you while you were sad. Even after they were well into their retirement years, they served others who were in hospice care.

Wendell and Jackie were married 66 years prior to Jackie's passing in 2023.

Wendell is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Wanda Wallis, and his brother L.R. Owenby.

He is survived by his daughter, Terry Thorpe (Rusty), grandson, Cory Thorpe (Sarah), great grandson, Andruw Thorpe, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Wendell was a lifelong member of the Millville Advent Christian Church where he taught and served in many capacities such as ordained minister, deacon and elder. His loving and godly advice was often flavored with exciting fishing anecdotes and dad jokes. He took his testimony for the Lord seriously, though, and was instrumental in guiding many people to Jesus.

A family graveside service will be held on Friday December 6.

Also, Wendell had a great appreciation of doughnuts and apple fritters from Dan-D-Donuts. Because of this fact, there will be a Celebration of Life with doughnuts and coffee at the Millville Advent Christian Church on Friday Dec. 6. Family and friends are invited to stop by any time between 2:00 pm-4:00 pm.

Should anyone be led to make a donation in Wendell's memory, we encourage you to do so at Samaritan's Purse (https://www.samaritanspurse.org/) or Team Rubicon (https://teamrubiconusa.org/).