James Columbus “Lum” Ownby, of Sevierville, TN, formerly of Gatlinburg, age 100, passed away peacefully at home on October 31, 2024.
He was a lifelong member of Banner Baptist Church where he served as a trustee, and as a representative of Sevier County Baptist Association, and sole caretaker of Banner Baptist Cemetery. He was the owner of Ownby’s Woodcrafts in Gatlinburg for 51 years. Lum will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a talented artisan in woodworking, a great storyteller, with a profound sense of humor, and loved being with family and friends. With a love of farming and gardening his favorite lifetime hobby was fishing, taught to him by his maternal grandmother, Sally Compton. Bringing him the most joy was spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
James was preceded in death by his parents David Crockett and Mary Compton Ownby; father-in-law and mother-in-law Oliver and Cecil Ogle; sisters Irene (Buck) Reagan, Louise (Bruce) Cole; brother John (Ella) Ownby; sisters-in-law Janice Ogle, Vera (Howard) Wilson, Bess (Ken) Jackson, Zelma (Ed) Maples, Zella Ogle, Grace (Craig) Benson; brothers-in-law Merle Ogle and Mike Ogle.
He is survived by his wife of 75 years Janavee Ogle Ownby; children David (Vickie) Ownby, Relda (Ed) Cruze, Jody Penny; grandchildren Kristie (Shane) Vick, Richard (Dayla) Ownby, Amanda (Drew) Downey, Jennifer (Brian) Calloway; great grandchildren Holly Ownby, Jamie Ownby, Nick Britton, Nate Vick, Jack Downey, Lauren Downey, Nora Calloway, Jasper Calloway, Emma Ownby, and Evan Taylor; great-great granddaughter Meadow Ownby Marino; special brother-in-law Von W. Ogle; numerous nieces and nephews whom he treasured.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Banner Baptist Cemetery: 1423 Goose Gap Road Sevierville, TN 37876.
The family will receive friends from 11:30 AM-1:30 PM Sunday, November 3, 2024, in the West Chapel of Atchley Funeral Home with a funeral service to follow at 1:30 officiated by Pastor Jerry Ogle. Friends and family will gather in Banner Baptist Church Cemetery at 3:15 PM for a committal service and interment.
Online condolences can be made at www.atchleyfuneralhome.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James, please visit our floral store.
James Columbus “Lum” Ownby, of Sevierville, TN, formerly of Gatlinburg, age 100, passed away peacefully at home on October 31, 2024.
He was a lifelong member of Banner Baptist Church where he served as a trustee, and as a representative of Sevier County Baptist Association, and sole caretaker of Banner Baptist Cemetery. He was t