Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I'm working tonight off-duty at the shelter, and I thought about you. Just the other day the twins mention you. Anitra called and Left a message I have got to get back with her. I just wanted to say I often think about you and I miss that big smile of yours. Especially by the big oak tree. Keep watching out for us !!!

D.N. Harper
WCSO

October 20, 2006

Bud, hey you know me always writing. I could not find myself to send something last week. It seem like my mind went back to everything. I really miss you. So much has transpired in my life these past 3 years. I've become so strong and you said one day I would. God has truly blessed Shon and I.
Next week will mark 5 months Tim and I have been married. He treats Shon and I very well.
This past Sat. he got me a Chrslyer 300m. It's nice.
Once again thank you for walking with me daily and also talking to God about my helpmate.
Shon is doing great in school. I'm so proud of her. She miss you very much also. Brian has been doing better by her since Tim talked to him.
Can you believe Bryan Calhoun is going to the miltary in June after graduation. These kids have grown.
Well,I must get back to work now.
I love you!!!

Anitra Owens Wilson
Survivor

October 13, 2006

You have not been forgotten and my thoughts are with your loved ones today on this 3rd anniversary of your end of watch. Keep watch over your loved ones and protect them and also those still out on patrol. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Gold Star Father

October 2, 2006

Your life tragically ended on the day my only grandchild was born. Deputy Owens, you may have fallen, but your life of service will not be forgotten.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEO's

September 23, 2006

Hi Bud! Shon and I want to tell you Happy Birthday. We miss and love you dearly.Tell Frank to wrap his arms around April tomorrow. It will mark 3yrs of his anniversary and she just need to feel his presence.
All is well, with us and Shon is doing good in school thus far.
Love,
Anitra

Anitra Owens Wilson
Survivor

September 4, 2006

Well, hello Bud it's me. Things are going real good for Shon and I. She now has siblings like she always wanted but realize how different it can be. As of today I've been married 11 days. I know that you are aware of the awesome blessing God sent our way. Many may not understand but I am HAPPY and that's all that matters. I know you would not want nothing but that for me. No one will ever replace what we had and you will always live in my heart. As Tooda gets older she looks more and more like you. Thanks for allowing me to be happy. I know that was you on 12/3/04. (You lifted a heavy burden)
Jackie, Faye, Connie, and aunt Dot/Barbara came to the Memorial service last week. You know your side kick was my escort and yes Tim supported also.It meant alot for Jackie to actually talk with me and congradulate Tim and I.
Your baby girl is 5'11 and going to the 8th grade. Time has flown by hasn't it.
I am the ISS teacher at her school now and I enjoy it.
Well, take care and "PICTURE ME ROLLIN!!!"
Love always,
Neet

Anitra Howard Owens-Wilson
Survivor

May 31, 2006

Owens, I've had a lot of people come and go in and out of my life over the past few months let alone years. I've lost almost more than I can handle but I continue to thank God for all he does.

In 2003 we lost F. James, you and M. Tucker in 2004, R. Jefferies joined you in 2005, My Grandmother in Feb 2005, My wife's sister in Dec.05
My Aunt in Feb 06, thought that was enough and God wouldn't need anyone else but then my mother in-law and my first cousin all within three weeks of each other in March 2006.

I just wanted to say thank you for being such a professional person on the job and down to earth off the job.
You are missed always but never forgotten.
Your family I've not had contact with physically but I carry them in my heart and prayers.

I think about you all the time and I often send words your way, take care my friend and continue to watch over this place. I’m so sorry for such along delay in writing you until now.

Take care my friend.
Smitty

Master Deputy D.L Smith
WCSO

April 2, 2006

Hi Bud! Yesteday (12/10/05)was an awesome day for me. I graduated finally. The promise I made was kept. I was so grateful to have both of my parents attend. Tim was right there and if he had not pushed me to go this semester more and likely I would not have done it. I'm so glad that God has open another door for me. Your lil' Tooda is 5'9 now. SHE MADE THE TEAM! Her first game was Thurs. She scored the most points, which were 12. (score 31-11)Continue to watch over her at each game and both of us in all that we do. She's on here way to big things. We both miss you and I do feel your presence sometimes. Well, let me go for now.
Love ya,
Neet

Anitra Howard-Owens

December 11, 2005

Todayi was elected Executive Director ofthe NC COPS organization. I hopetop get you lovely Anitra and Shon involved sothey can help me build a strong NC contingent who will carry one the work that National COPS has started in our state. Nitra loves you so much and will never give your space in her heart to another, however the time has come for her to move on and I know she will!!! We all love and miss you, keepa watch over us and protectus from harm!! Loving you until we meet, Trisha Tucker also a survivor!!!!!!

Miss Pat
survivor

October 29, 2005

Bud, I forget to mention that I am back in school now and will graduate in December. It's been a long, hard, tough road getting this degree but it's about to pass. The best is yet to come for me. Thanks to Timothy he has made it possible for this transition to happen. Thank you for helping me to get my foot in the door. I told you I would one day finish this.
"Neet"
"LOOK HERE PICTURE ME ROLLING":)

Anitra

October 3, 2005

Hi Bud. Well, today we will go out the the PSO to honor you, Frank, and Mr. Tucker. I can't believe yesterday marked the 2 year anniversary of your death. It still holds many memories even when I try not to think about it sometimes. God has truly been good to Shon and I. Thanks for talking with him. I know you ask that he send someone our way to help take care of us. Timothy is an awesome man. He supports me in all that I do. He will be there today to help support at the memorial. He and Shon have a real good relationship. Her school year has started off great. She's trying to be active and waiting anxiously to try out for the Baskeball team soon. Can you believe she can play for the school this year. She is so tall and pretty and have the giggles for boys now. Kerwyn tied the knot last week and Adams........I'm going to whip. Johnson and Harper are still wild and crazy. Harper is a "GRANDMA" now. SHe has a beautiful grandaughter. Bass and Sonya have a beautiful team now. They have 5! Oh yea, I hope you were not upset because I did your headmarker the way I did. I just wanted you to have a nice one.
Well, let me go walk now I have to try and shed some pounds.
Love ya,
Anitra
P.S. You will always be in my heart

Anitra

October 3, 2005

What's up "O". It took me a long time to write you, but i still can't beleive that you're not here. We had just talk on shift a couple of days ago about us being careful responding to calls weeks after Deputy James had Past, and you not being around cause of an traffic crash puts me in shock.
just to let you know "O" I was there near the scene and at the hospital to tell you farewell!. I Miss you Bro' I can't say how many time you watched my back in Wake County & in Apex. Take care and watch over me while I continue to finish what you started, "Serving & Helping the public. Peace!

Ofc. Greg W. Bailey
Greensboro PD, Ex-Apex PD

June 12, 2005

I know you are aware that Anitra has someone who loves her and whom she loves. She seems so happy that I hope you will share in her happiness too! You were so loved by her and Shon and they have missed you so much. Give her your blessing and allow her to continue to live and love. It does not mean she loves you less, it means you taught her how to LOVE to begin with and how to give her LOVE to another. You will never be forgotten, we all love you! Miss Pat

Trisha Tucker

April 5, 2005

Phil,
It has taken me so long to leave you a reflection. I'm sorry, I didn't want to revisit the night I got the call but I feel it's time. I cherished working the west side with you when I worked at WCSO. I floated zones and you made the process so much easier when I worked the west. We would meet up when it got quiet and get something to eat and shoot the breeze. I have moved away brother, but you are still in my heart. When I think about it Phil, you are the lucky one, the one I should be jealous of. The bible says, "to be absent from the body is to be present with God". That is the greatest reward of all. I will keep your family in my prayers and God will watch over them as will your friends and family. We'll get up again someday and you can show me the ropes... again like ol' times. Much love to you and you will never be forgotten.

OFC. W. Barnes
Alexandria Police Dept.

December 17, 2004

Phil,

I slowed down not hours prior to check on you on a vehicle stop while I was off. If I would have known what was going to occur later that night. I would have stopped and rode with you the rest of the night to change the outcome. I am deeply sorry for your families loss, I know it was a great loss for them. Rest in Peace

Deputy Ashley Pierce
Wake County Sheriff's Department

December 13, 2004

i will miss and i hope that you are watching over me. i will never forget the things you taught me
i love you jess.

Jess
family member

December 8, 2004

To the family of Sheriff Owens my prayers are with you at this time. I know this is going to be a hard time for you, as I know the past year has been just as hard. And the rest of your life without him will be hard. Just know that I'm thinking of you at this time. You will miss him dearly everyday, but we will never forget him..

Connie Barker
Mother of Clint Walker E.O.W. 1-14-04

September 27, 2004

Anitra and Shon;
As your 1 year anniversary comes along I know that you will reflect upon happy as well as sad times. I hope you know how much you are loved and that nothing can change the bond we have with each other. PHIL would be so proud of how you both have handled all situations since he left you. I know that the road has not always been easy but our Lord and Savior had to endure hardship and pain to set us free. ILU both and will continue to pray that God in his almighty wisdom, will assist you tomake the best decisions you possibly can. Good Luck on graduation in DEC.

Patricia Tucker

September 13, 2004

Anitra and Shon; I hope you both know that I love you both beyoud what word can express. You both have a special place in my heart where only those who know our pain can dwell. God is so good a He alone provides for us. Anything that you need as your year approaches to the anniversary of Phil's time gone you need only let me know!!! ILU Miss Pat

Patricia Tucker-Ms Pat
WCSO- Survivor

August 26, 2004

Deputy Phil Owens was my uncle. I did not know him a lot but I was still tremendously hurt when my mom picked me up from school early and told me that my grandmothers brother was killed. I will never forget that day. But I pray for his family every night. And I love you Uncle Phil.

May 21, 2004

BIG O , THIS IS YOUR SON THE ONE YOU TOOK UP UNDER YOUR WING BACK IN 1996 WHILE WORKING IN THE COURTHOUSE. I KNOW YOU ARE STANDING THERE LOOKING AT ME WITH YOUR HAND ON YOUR HIP THINKING WHAT TOOK ME SO LONG TO SEND YOU A REFLECTION. THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER IS BRO I JUST COULDN'T GET IT TOGETHER TO PUT INTO WORDS WHAT OUR FRIENDSHIP OR WHAT YOU MEANT TO ME. I WAS JUST SITTING HERE UNDER A SHADE TREE AND IT CAME TO ME TO TELL YOU THAT I LOVE YOU ,MISS YOU AND THAT CODE 2 ISN'T THE SAME BRO. I ATTENDED A MEMORIAL IN JOHNSTON COUNTY & IN CARY IN YOUR HONOR AND I CAN TRULY SAY THAT YOU ARE A HERO BRO. YOU TOUCHED SO MANY PEOPLE LIVES BIG O IT IS UNREAL WHEN I HEAR PEOPLE TALK ABOUT YOU. YOU STILL HAVE PEOPLE THAT ARE FULL OF THEMSELVES, BUT WE WILL LAUGH ABOUT THAT AT A LATER DATE HAHAHA. I KNOW YOU ARE SAYING THAT JOHN BROWN BOY AIN'T CHANGED NONE & UR RIGHT KEEPING IT REAL TO THE END BRO.I'AM CHECKING ON ANITRA & SHON MAKING SURE THAT THEY ARE STRAIGHT THEY ARE GETTING SUPPORT FROM ALL OF THE ONES THAT NEW YOU BEST BRO. WELL BIG O I'AM NOT GOING TO TAKE TOO MUCH OF YOUR TIME BECAUSE I KNOW YOU ARE BUSY WITH OTHER THINGS LIKE WATCHING OVER US AND SITTING UNDER YOUR SHADE TREE ON A CEMENT BLOCK. HAHAHAHA YOUR BOY HINTON PS. BIG OOOOO PICTURE ME ROLLING BOY. SAVE ME A SPOT UNDER THAT BIG SHADE TREE IN THE SKY. I LOVE U BRO

DEPUTY K.B.HINTON B-821
WAKE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

May 18, 2004

First of all I would like to say Thank you to all who have posted memories, thoughts, and condolences. After reading all of the reflections and kind words from so many of those who loved Phil I can barely see through my tears. Words cannot express the pain that we feel and can never express how much we all miss Phil. We rejoice in the fact that Phil was loved by all and more than that he was respected by all. Phil represented his profession and family with the utmost professionalism.

Today, I went to the ceremony of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and saw Phil’s name on the wall. It hit me all over again that my dear sweet little Phil was gone. So many others were there to pay respect to their son, brother, father, daughter, mom, sister, fellow officer, or just friend. I felt a certain closeness each and every one of them. We all shed a few tear, and some shed a lot more. Some people wrote poems, some sent flowers, some left pictures on the wall, but all scratched over the engraved name of the one who has traveled on. I also saw a fellow officer William Franklin James, II who passed only a month before Phil, and made sure that I scratched over his name to pass along to his family.

Although we may never know the answer to why and how this happened we will always have the wonderful memories that Phil gave to each and everyone of us. Phil was more than just family. I do have a fun memory to share; in the summer when Rodney, Venita, and I would come down to North Carolina from New York for the summer. All of the grandkids (about 12 of us under the age of 14) would have to make up games to play in Grandma’s yard because we all were not allowed to come in and out of Grandma’s house during the day. The Auntie’s would lock that back screen so we would just be playing outside in the sand for hours. Man, do I miss those times. I know, as we have gotten older we didn’t keep in touch as much, but we never forgot and always picked right back up from where we left off.

I saw this poem on one of the memorial pages and thought that it truly represented what I consider to be a true representation of the family’s feelings.

They say memories are golden,
well, maybe that is true.
We never wanted memories,
We only wanted you.
A million times We’ve wanted you,
a million times We cried.
If love alone could have saved you,
you never would have died.
In life We loved you dearly,
in death We love you still.
In our hearts you hold a place
no one could ever fill.
If tears could build a stairway
and heartache make a lane,
We'd walk the path to heaven
and bring you back again.
Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same.
But as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again.

We are so proud of our Phil his professionalism, sincerity, warmth, and kindness. I know that he is looking down and watching over us. Tough our hearts are still heavy, through all of the tears and loneness, we know sweet Phil that you are in a better place. Rest in Peace little cuz. You will never be forgotten; your memory will always be with us…………… always.


Love Your Cousin
Veronica Miller (Gregory)

Veronica Miller
Family Member

May 14, 2004

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 5, 2004

Phil, I was passing the parking lot for the Food Lion on Hwy 55 in Fuquay the other day when I thought of you. It suddenly hit me that is where Davis introduced me to you, almost three years ago, while I was in FTO training.
Then I remembered the last time I saw you. We went to a 911 hang-up off Church St. in Apex. It turned out to be nothing but my patrol car was on empty and would have never made it to the pumps. Even though I know you had been planning to head home to eat. You offered to follow me to the nearest gas station so that I could save the embarrassment of coming across the radio telling them I was 10-46. (Which I took you up on. I do hope you did eventually make it home to eat.)
That was the night shift before god called you. I was upset that I couldn't be here when I got the call, since I was in Louisana at a conference. However, I felt honored that I was able to make it back to in time for your funeral.
You were a great man, and an excellent deputy. The world is a lesser place without you. Your platoon-mates miss you, as does everyone with the Sheriff's Office, and we are going to keep doing the job you would have wanted us to.

May god be with your family, and may peace and love follow them all the days of there lives.

Take your rest now Phil, and we'll keep the watch.

Your brother in law Enforcement

C. J. Kuhn

Deputy C. Kuhn
Wake County Sheriff's Office

February 15, 2004

Merry Christmas Phil

2003

D Platoon

December 23, 2003