Tommy Vandiver Owings, 67
October 17, 1956 – February 18, 2024
Houlka/Nettleton – Tommy Vandiver Owings, better known by most as “Buff,” transformed from this life to the next from NMMC in Tupelo after a period of declining health. He was 67 years old. Buff seldom met a stranger; however, he was not above playing practical jokes on family and friends with his dry, sharp wit. Most of the time, Tommy loved everyone but reserved his right to be independent. Born in Aberdeen on October 17, 1956 to the late William H. “Hazel” Owings and Elloise Medley Owings, Tommy lived all his life in this area. He graduated from Nettleton High School in 1974 and went on to IJC to learn his lifelong trade, that of an EMT. Buff spent over 33 years with North Miss. Medical Center where he professionally and with compassion cared for so many people in health distress. He was beloved by his colleagues and respected by those he took pride in helping. To say he was rabid as a Miss. State Sports fan would be an understatement. He proudly loved nothing better than hearing the words, “Wrap this one in maroon and white.” Buff loved the outdoors and fishing in particular, proudly caring for his many dogs and being with his family. A deeply spiritual man, he greatly enjoyed his Church membership at Worship Center Baptist Church near Baldwyn.
A service celebrating his life will be held at 2 PM Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024 in the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo with Bro. Keith Cobb officiating. A private family committal service will be held in Pine Grove Cemetery east of Nettleton. Visitation will be from 5PM-7PM Wednesday evening and from Noon-service time on Thursday, all at Holland-Tupelo which is honored to be serving their friends. For those unable to attend, the service may be watched at www.hollandfuneraldirectors.com/Live-streaming at 2 PM and will be archived thereafter.
Buff is survived by his two children, Brock Owings and wife, Joni of Houlka, and his daughter, Morgan Owings of Guntown; 3 grandchildren, Jakub Hines, Madison Moore (Avery) and Jessie Hall; his sister, Betty Hall of Clinton, MS; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hazel and Elloise Owings; two brothers, Bill Owings and Eddie Ray; his stepfather, William “Charlie” Bishop; and a great-niece, Avery Gordon.
Pallbearers will be Jonathan Williams, Chris Elliott, Butch Williams, Mike Wills, Scott Hall, and Brian Gordon. Honorary pallbearers will be past and present EMT associates and friends.
Memorials may be made to the Bulldog Initiative, P. O. Box 1653, Starkville, MS 39760.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
