John Owings

John Dewey Owings III

October 15, 1952 – November 3, 2024

John Dewey Owings III, age 72, passed away on November 3, 2024, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle, surrounded by his family. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, pharmacist, and outdoorsman. John will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his dedication to his work, his humor, and his zest for life. 

John is survived by his wife of 37 years, Mary Rebecca “Becky” Flowers Owings; his children, John “Jack” Dewey Owings IV, Rebecca “Laney” Owings, and Mary Ellen Owings; and sister, Susan (Victor) Owings Johnson.

John was born on October 15, 1952, in Macon, Mississippi, to John Dewey Owings, Jr., and Mary Louise “Susie” Franklin Owings. He graduated from Belhaven College in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. Soon after, he decided to follow in the footsteps of his father and pursue a career in pharmacy. He graduated from Samford University School of Pharmacy in 1979 and practiced pharmacy for 45 years. His passion for serving others led him to work in various locations, but his heart was most at home during his time at Brooksville Pharmacy, in his hometown of Brooksville, Mississippi. John’s commitment to his profession and community were evident to all who knew him. 

John’s greatest joy in his life was his family, for whom his love knew no bounds. His family was the heart of his world, and he took immense pride in their accomplishments, bragging about them to anyone who would listen. John’s love extended to his loyal companion, Josie, a Boykin Spaniel who never left his side, and his six “grand-dogs.” His family meant everything to him, and with his quick wit and humor, he filled their lives with laughter, leaving them with countless joyful memories.

An avid outdoorsman, John found joy in the simple pleasures of nature. Whether it was hunting, fishing, or just spending a day in the great outdoors, he played hard and truly embodied living every day to the fullest. He had countless hobbies that he loved sharing with his family and friends. John’s legacy lives on in the memories of those shared moments, reminding us all to embrace life as fully as he did. 

A memorial service will be held on November 23, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church, 3202 Bluecutt Road, Columbus, MS 39705. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM, followed by a service at the outdoor sanctuary at 2:00 PM. Memorial donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church (https://www.firstprescolumbus.org or checks may be mailed to P.O. Box 9681, Columbus, MS 39705); the John Dewey Owings Memorial Scholarship at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy (University of Mississippi Foundation, 406 University Avenue, Oxford, MS 38655); the Boykin Spaniel Rescue, Inc. (https://www.boykinspanielrescue.org or checks may be mailed to Jeannine Culbertson-Boykin Spaniel Rescue, 1611 Franklin Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401); or the charity of your choice.