Charles Hurshel Owen

Charles Hurshel Owen, 91, of Brevard, born November 3, 1931, passed away October 1, 2023, at the Valor Hospice Center of the Charles George VA Medical Center, Asheville, NC. Born in Balsam Grove, NC, and a lifelong resident of Transylvania County, he was the son of Harley Clingman Owen and Azalea Grace McCall Owen.

Preceded in death by his parents and the love of his life, Leona Carter Owen, to whom he was married for 64 years; his beloved daughter, Teresa Owen DeVore; brother, Truman Owen, and sisters, Violet Blythe, and Jean Murr.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Phyllis Owen Robinson and husband, Michael, of Canton, Son in Law, James E. DeVore of Mills River; sisters Nancy Spurling (James), Joan Bracken (Leo), and sister-in-law, Ruby Owen.  His 6 grandchildren who felt Papaw “hung the moon” are Monica Robinson (Josh), Marisa R. Caldwell (Chance and his son, Mason), Jeremy DeVore (Wendy), Daniel DeVore (Courtney), Maurice Robinson (Lindsey), and Rev. Bennie Robinson (Jodi).  His 9 Great-Grandchildren are Madison Surrett, Avery Caldwell, Bryson Robinson, Collin Robinson, Brooks Robinson, Aidan DeVore, Libby DeVore, Carlie DeVore, and Everett DeVore.

He served our country in the US Army from 1953-1955.  In return, he was given the utmost care and respect by the Charles George VA Medical Center and Valor Hospice Care in Asheville, NC, until his passing.  He retired from Ecusta/ Gladfelter and was a member of Brevard Church of God.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00 pm in the chapel of Moore Funeral Home; Brevard, NC.  The family will receive friends beginning at 11:00 am.  Rev. Bennie Robinson, Rev. Michael Pressley, and Rev. Michael Bare will officiate.  Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Garden of Memory, Pisgah Forest, NC.

No man showed more endearing love toward God, His family, his church, and everyone who had the privilege to know him.  Though his early life had many struggles and hardship, he remembered them as a teacher of grit and perseverance.  His story telling, wisdom, strength, gentleness and kindness were beyond measure.  He spent more than 3 decades researching and documenting his beloved Owen and McCall genealogies as far back as England, Scotland, and Ireland in the 1700’s. His legacy will remain for future generations as profound love of God, Country, and Family…………”We must know where we came from to know where we are going.”

The family extends never ending thanks and heartfelt gratitude to Charles George VA Hospital and Valor Hospice Center for their kindness, love and respect, as well as relentless care.  The doctors, specialists, nurses, and social workers helped us navigate this difficult journey.  Their professionalism is exemplary and without reproach, and we will be forever grateful.