Jerry Edward Ownby

Jerry Edward Ownby, Sr., 78, of Dillwyn passed away June 17, 2025, at home with his wife of 59
years, Donna, by his side. He was preceded in death by his father, Max Ownby, his mother,
Alma Harris Ownby, and his sister, Barbara Ownby Shumaker.
He is survived by his wife, Donna Massie Ownby, his sons, Jay Ownby (Christina) and Robert
Ownby (Susan), as well as six grandchildren, Tiffany Snoddy (John), Ciera Warner (Jessy), Casey
Moseley (DeAndre), Kaitlyn Newton (Ayers), Max Ownby, and Allie Ownby; and six great-
grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, Rodney Ownby (Sandra).
Jerry served his country in the United States Coast Guard. He was on a weather cutter and
rescue boat where he saved multiple lives. He was trained as a federal officer and inspected all
ships coming into Hampton Roads, during which time he was exposed to multiple toxins. Upon
his honorable discharge from the Coast Guard, Jerry returned home to continue the work on
the family farm, Ole Minor Farm, later buying the farm and becoming its owner. While farming,
Jerry also worked full time as a respiratory therapist and neonatal pediatric specialist, working
at Chippenham, Martha Jefferson, and UVA hospitals.
Jerry was a longtime member of Cedar Baptist Church in Dillwyn, Virginia. He served previously
as a deacon at Jones Chapel Baptist Church in Cumberland, Virginia. He loved his family and his
farm. Of all the things he accomplished, Jerry wanted most to be remembered as a farmer.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cedar Baptist Church building fund. The family
will receive friends on Friday, June 20, 2025, from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. at Cedar Baptist Church in
Dillwyn. A memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. Internment will follow at Jones Chapel Baptist
Church in Cumberland, with a meal to follow at Cedar Baptist fellowship hall.