Daniel Gary Owens

Daniel Gary Owens, age 56, passed away on January 23, 2026, in Marietta, Georgia, following a courageous journey of recovery after two massive strokes in 2023. Though his body was ultimately weakened, Dan faced every limitation with grace and quiet perseverance, meeting his final years with the same steadfast resolve that defined his life. Dan was born on August 3, 1969, to Gary and Barbara Owens and was one of four children. He grew up in Knoxville, where family, school, sports, and the community of CSPC Church shaped his early years. He shared a particularly close bond with his brother Stephen and was part of the second graduating class of the Christian Academy of Knoxville, having begun there when the school itself was still taking shape. After high school, Dan moved to Chicago to pursue his passion for learning and service, completing a five-year Bachelor of Science in Missionary Aviation Technology through Moody Bible Institute. Drawn to work that combined purpose with challenge, he later earned a Master of Public Administration from Georgia State University, laying the groundwork for a life of professional achievement and service to others. On February 24, 2001, Dan married his wife Shelly, and together they built a home marked by faith, love, laughter, and shared adventure. He embraced life with a willingness to take thoughtful risks, shaping family experiences through travel, several moves, and a readiness to say yes when unexpected opportunities arose—whether for the sake of family or in service to others. He was a devoted husband and a deeply present father to their five children: Maddie (22), Davis (20), Hannah (19), Joseph (18), and Charlotte (16). His children knew him not only as their dad, but as a trusted guide—someone who listened carefully, taught patiently, and encouraged consistently. As his son Davis said, “If you knew him, you learned something from him.” Dan’s professional life reflected the same courage, vision, and care that defined him personally. His career progressed from Manager of Software Development at Infinite Software Solutions, Inc., to Director of Engineering at WebMD, to Vice President of Software Development at Premiere Global Services. In the final years of his career, he served as Chief Technology Officer for PatientPoint and then Prolucent Health. In these roles, he combined technical mastery with a rare ability to inspire and mentor those around him. He led large teams through complex projects, built systems that endured, and guided organizations through challenges with calm, thoughtful leadership. Colleagues and team members consistently described Dan as deeply trustworthy and dependable. He led with humility and integrity, always putting the needs of his people first, helping them navigate obstacles, and ensuring they had the support, guidance, and encouragement to succeed. He earned not only their respect but their loyalty. Throughout his life, Dan’s commitment to Christ and service was ever-present. He served as a mission aviation pilot in Gaborone, Botswana, and was one of five founders of the nonprofit organization Sixty Feet, serving vulnerable children in Kampala, Uganda. When the organization needed leadership, Dan set aside his career to move his entire family to Uganda for more than a year to serve as president. Dan had the ability to bring order and clarity—to systems, organizations, and people—while remaining open to uncertainty and change. He leaves behind a legacy of faithful leadership, sacrificial love, and steady presence. He will be remembered, and deeply missed, not only for what he accomplished, but for the way he lived: thoughtfully, courageously, and always with others in mind. Funeral service: Thursday February 5th, 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Marietta, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Dan’s life may make a donation in his memory to his children's philanthropic giving fund, where Madeline, Davis, Hannah, Joseph, and Charlotte can direct gifts in his honor over the coming years. https://cobbfoundation.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=2419

Daniel Gary Owens

August 3, 1969 - January 23, 2026