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Roger Glen Owens, Jr.

Roger “Glen” Owens, Jr. graduated from this world to Heaven on Monday evening, September 4, 2023. He was surrounded by his wife, family, and friends. His transition was quiet and peaceful.

Glen was born and raised in Saint Petersburg, Florida on June 20th, 1972, to parents, Betty Adkins-Owens and Roger Glen Owens, Sr. He had two older sisters, Renee and Carmen, and one younger sister, Tiffany. Glen graduated from Pinellas Park High School in 1990. He furthered his education with internships and college courses, as well as worked, including for his father’s paint store and Allstate Insurance Company, as a young adult. Glen later earned his bachelor’s degree in business management from Eckerd College in 2007.

Glen retired from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) after almost completing 15 years of employment in public service. He was recognized for his dedication, outstanding customer service and strong work ethic. He served as a program analyst on the Transportation team and managed the Transit Benefit Program.

On June 26, 2007, Glen married his now wife of 16 years, Samantha Owens, on St. Petersburg Beach, Florida. Glen and Samantha enjoyed trying restaurants, visiting new stores, and traveling, such as to Disney, many cities and beaches in Florida and Virginia, Kentucky, New York, the Caribbean, and Puerto Rico. Glen and Samantha did not have children of their own, but adopted two wonderful senior cocker spaniels, Archie and Charlotte, in 2019, and loved them with all their hearts. Glen lived with Samantha in their Alexandria, Virginia home.

Glen was a warrior! One aspect of his life that never let up was fighting cancer. In August of 1972, less than two months after his birth, he was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a malignant cancer of the eyes. After doctors in St. Petersburg were unable to effectively treat the cancer, he was referred to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in December of 1972, where he underwent extensive cancer therapy for a period of two years, resulting in a permanent remission of the retinoblastoma. Throughout his childhood, Glen had scheduled follow-up visits with St. Jude to observe his development and monitor for secondary cancers, a major concern due to the genetic nature of the cancer. Consequently, Glen had several additional bouts of cancer throughout his life, including Leiomyosarcoma, a rare and usually incurable form of cancer. The last bout of aggressive cancer occurred over the past seven years.

Also, Glen had reduced vision resulting from the retinoblastoma, which he easily adapted to thanks to advances in technology and the generous help and patience of others, including teachers, ophthalmologists and organizations for the blind, and most importantly, his family and friends.

Glen is remembered for being a compassionate, humorous family member, friend, and colleague. Glen never met a stranger. Glen had a love for meteorology, which he presented awesome weather reports and “tropical updates.” Glen also enjoyed aviation; although, he could not complete his flight training due to his visual impairment. Glen was curious and had many interests. He loved YouTube and watching documentaries or listening to recordings and podcasts on various topics such as history, NASA and space, commercial planes taking off from Tampa Airport (TPA) – his favorite airport, electronics, cars, and his favorite show, Dragnet. Glen was mechanically inclined; therefore, he was devoted to his electronics. He had a passion for working on computers and cars. Another one of Glen’s passions was cooking, ranging from hot meals to desserts and frozen drinks. Some of Glen’s favorite creations included beef stroganoff, deviled eggs, and four-cheese mac and cheese.

Glen leaves behind his supportive wife, Samantha, father, Roger, and sisters, Renee (Steven) Bland, Carmen (Steve) Haas, and Tiffany Owens. Glen was predeceased by his mother, Betty. Glen also leaves aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, as well as other family members from all sides of his and Samantha’s family and close friends and colleagues.

Please help Glen’s remarkable legacy remain strong as he is remembered for being kind, tenacious, intelligent, gracious, friendly, courageous, loving, and fun.

The family will receive friends at the Cunningham Turch Funeral Home, 811 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 on Friday, September 15, 2023, from 6:00pm until 8:00pm.

A Celebration of Glen’s Life will be on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at the First Baptist Church of Alexandria, 2932 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22302. Visitation will be from 1:00pm until the time of service at 2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Glen’s memory to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Memorial Fund Page: https://raise.stjude.org/fundraiser/4939474

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