DILLWYN, Oct. 16 – David William Owens, 30, died Saturday, October 11, 2008 at his home. Born March 12, 1978, in Abingdon, he was the son of Kennetha (Kay) Bolling Poole, Abingdon, and the late David Owens, Lebanon.

He was a member of Fort Gibson United Methodist Church, Castlewood, where he worked with the youth of the church during his teen years. A 1997 graduate of Castlewood High School as Valedictorian, he lettered in track, forensics, golf, and football; participated in various clubs, basketball, and community activities. He received the I DARE You award in recognition of personal integrity, balanced living and leadership.

A 2001 Summa Cum Laude graduate with a BA in English from Radford University, he received the Outstanding Student award his freshman year. David was a gifted, sensitive writer who had been published numerous times. He received the Chautauqua Creative Writing Award for his short story, “Like a Candle in the Wind.” He presented reading of his poetry during Parent's Weekend of his junior year. Mr. Owens was a teacher of English at Buckingham Middle School, Dillwyn, and Golf Coach at Buckingham High School and was actively involved in the educational system on both local and state levels.

In addition to his father he was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Kenneth Baker Bolling, and Bobby Gene Owens, both of Lebanon, and Buddy Poole, Castlewood.

Survivors include his companion, David Spencer of Floyd; mother, Kennetha (Kay) Bolling Poole of Abingdon; step-father, Randy Poole of Abingdon; sisters, Traci Poole of Richmond and Ashley Owens of Lebanon; brothers, Adam Poole, Emory and Adam Owens of Blacksburg; grandmothers, Peggy Bolling and Helen S. Owens, both of Lebanon; and Shirley Poole Helton of Kingsport; aunts, Debra Bolling Bush and husband, Ronnie, and Susan Bolling and husband, Randy Richardson all of Lebanon, and Cherie Henderson and husband, Dave of Abingdon; uncles, Kenny Bolling and wife, Sharon of Abingdon, Mike Owens of Princeton, WV, Johnny Poole and wife, Sarah Jane of Lebanon, and Mike Poole and wife, Joyce of Orlando, FL; also numerous cousins and a host of friends.

Donation may be sent to Fort Gibson United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 86, Castlewood, VA 24224 or a charity of your preference.

The memorial service will be conducted at 7 p.m. Thursday, October 16, in the Green Valley Baptist Church with the Rev. Kenny Bolling and the Rev. Tom Edwards officiating.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 6:45 p.m prior to service at the church.

Combs Funeral Service, Lebanon, is serving the family.