William C. "Bill" Owen
1942 - 2012
Bill Owen was a strong, honest, loyal, dedicated man. He was loved by family, friends, associates and will be sorely missed. Born and raised in Tallahassee, Florida, he attended Leon High School and the University of Florida, where he earned his law degree. He practiced law here in Tallahassee and was also on the Board of Directors of Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society. For several years he had been serving as the Chairman of the Board of Directors and only retired from that position in February of this year. He led the company with integrity and by example. We shall miss his presence at local, state and national functions, but his memory and leadership will be a lasting tribute.
The Florida Gators and the game of Golf were his passion...only next in line from his wife, Carolyn and his children, grandchildren and friends...and his law practice. On Wednesday morning the auditorium at Faith Presbyterian Church was full of those wishing to pay their respects to Bill's family and memory. That speaks volumes, to have people at a service from all over the country. Bill was that type of man and his family should be proud of his legacy.
Though our Woodmen "rituals" have been changed over the years, I want to share some of the words from the older funeral passage practiced for many years...I believe they are fitting for such a dedicated Woodmen Fraternalist...
"...we are reminded this day perhaps more forciably than ever of the uncertainty
of human life, and while we have witnessed the removal of another stately tree
from the forest of Woodcraft, may we all be mindful of the lesson it may teach us.
Today we share the sorrow of those who mourn, realizing that on any tomorrow
it may be one of us who may receive the call to exit this earthly forest.
Our hearts are sad today and every impulse of our soul is that of sympathy for
those who loved our faithful Sovereign best. His absence from our forest will be
keenly felt. The kind expressions of his voice will be replaced with an unbroken
silence. And yet, my friends, he should not be forgotten. His kind acts and his
pleasant words should be treasured as priceless gems upon which your mind
will love to dwell in the fondest of recollections. He has fulfilled his earthly
destiny. The battles along life's pathway have been bravely fought. The race has
been completed, and the prize awaits the victor at the closing of the day. The
influence of his life, however, shall not soon pass from us. He has left a worthy
heritage in the hands of the true and trusted Sovereigns who gather here today
to do his memory reverence..."
To those of you who are not associated with Woodmen of the World these words may sound strange. But to those of us who are a part of this wonderful fraternal organization, it is comforting to be part of this great "family fraternity" which is "with you through life"...and in death...
And closing, the words written in the funeral program...
"May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
and the rains fall soft upon your fields,
and until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand."
Rest at peace old friend...
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