Mr. Johnny Leonard Owsley, Sr., age 76, of Vernon, AL, passed away Friday, October 20, 2023, at his residence surrounded by family and friends.

Mr. Owsley was born on December 22, 1946, in Sheffield, AL, to the late Leo Reese and Mary Nell Owsley.  Mr. Owsley graduated from Shades Valley High School in 1965.  He began his college career at Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN before transferring to The University of Alabama where he received his Bachelors Degree in 1969.  At the University, he was an active member of the college group at the University Church of Christ where he made many lifelong friends.  Mr. Owsley moved to Lamar County after graduation where he helped run his father's lumber mill in Millport, AL. He also served in the National Guard for a number of years.  For the last thirty years, Mr. Owsley worked as a commercial property appraiser with Southeast Appraisals in Tuscaloosa County and enjoyed long lasting relationships as a result of that profession.

Mr. Owsley was a faithful member of the Kingville church of Christ serving as a Deacon and Elder.  He was a lifelong learner and had an extensive library of theological books.  Mr. Owsley was a biblical scholar and enjoyed teaching Bible classes and sharing his knowledge through the years.  Another one of his pastimes was constantly expanding his knowledge of his family.  He would spend hours researching his family genealogy.  Mr. Owsley enjoyed watching Alabama football, spending time with his family, and cherished most being Poppy to his grandchildren.

There will be a graveside service Monday, at 11:00 AM, at the Hamilton City Cemetery, with Danny Butler officiating.

Pallbearers will be Jack Glyien Williams, Avi Nichani, Marty Gottwald, John Lynn Prater, Danny Tomlin, Josh Harper, Brad Tomlin, and Greg Davis.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Charlotte Gross Owsley, of Vernon, AL; one son, Johnny (Lezlie) Owsley, Jr., of Nashville, TN; one daughter, Emily (Justin) Owsley Williams, of Tuscaloosa, AL; and three grandchildren, Jack Glyien Williams, Levi Craig Owsley, and Emmaline Christine Williams.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Rainbow Omega, Inc., P.O. Box 740, Eastaboga, AL 36260, or online at rainbowomega.org.