Maurice "Buck" Owens

Maurice "Buck" Owens, 86, of Biloxi, MS, passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at Singing River Hospital, Oceans Springs, MS. Buck was born February 3, 1938 in St. Pauls, NC to Robert and Irene (Pittman) Owens.

He graduated high school and received an Associate Degree in Accounting. After graduation, he enlisted in the US Air Force in March 1955 and retired from the USAF in September 1975 as a Technical Sergeant (TSgt). Upon retirement from the Air Force, he went to work for BellSouth and retired from there in June 1999. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, woodworking, and riding his Harley Davidson. The children will always remember him as the Santa Claus that rode a Harley. He was also Santa for the battered woman’s shelter and several other organizations. 

Buck is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Irene (Pittman) Owens; siblings, Wilbur Owens, Jasper Owens, David Owens, Lois Elkins, Mabel Osborne, Hazel Carnes, Rachel Everitte, Harold "Bobby" Owens, and Carolyn Stone; and son-in-law, David Taylor.

Survivors include his daughters, Dixie Taylor and Rebecca (Rich) Palmieri; 4 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; sister, Grace McDonald; brother, Raymond Owens; long-time friend, Joni Duvall; and loving dog, Gizmo.

A graveside service will be held at 11 am on Friday, May 24, 2024 at Biloxi National Cemetery. Following the service, a reception will be held at Gill’s Fishing Camp.

The family asks in lieu of flowers that memorial donations be made to Jackson County Animal Shelter, 4400 Audubon Lane, Gautier, MS 39553.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Maurice "Buck" Owens.