Joseph Head Owens, II, 79, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest Wednesday, March 4, 2026. He was known affectionately as “Citadel Joe” because of his extreme loyalty to the Citadel and Citadel athletics. His funeral service with military honors will be held nicheside at The Citadel Bell Tower on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 11:00 am. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel.
Joe was born January 31, 1947, in Valdosta, Georgia to Dr. Bennett Graham Owens and Elizabeth Hitch Owens. He was a graduate of Valdosta High School, a 1969 graduate of The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, and was an Army Veteran. He served with the 3rd Infantry Division in Germany and attended both Airborne school and Ranger school. He retired after 32 years in material management with Unisys Corporation in Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Joe was a Life Member of The Citadel Alumni Association. After settling in Mt Pleasant, Joe spent his retirement attending every Citadel athletic event possible. Citadel Joe was a fixture at these games and was known by his Cavalry hat.
He is survived by his brother, Dr. Bennett G. Owens, Jr (citadel class of 1960) (wife Elizabeth Ann); sister in law, Kathie Owens; nieces Elaine Nance (Charles), Marilois Campa (Pablo), Elizabeth Steedley (Jody), Dr. Katharine Owens (Michael Maier); and nephew, Ben Owens. He is also survived by numerous cousins and great nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James Owens.
Memorials may be made to the Citadel Foundation, 171 Moultrie Street, Charleston, SC 29409.