Warren Lee Owens, 79, passed away on Thursday, December 29, 2022. He was born in Mathews County, Virginia and raised in Highland Springs, Virginia, where he met his love of 53 years, Sandy. Warren and Sandy moved to New Kent County in 1981 where they raised their two children. Warren worked as a painter for W.W. Nash for 13 years, then as a painter/wallpaper hanger for Colonial Williamsburg for 25 years, where he retired as a foreman and master wallpaper hanger in 2007.
As a master wallpaper hanger, Warren was asked to hang various unique wallpapers, to include a Chinese grass cloth for a bank in Richmond, a silk wall covering for an executive’s home in Ohio, and a hand-drawn chalk mural in the former Colonial Williamsburg president’s house. Warren continued to be sought out by Colonial Williamsburg and others to hang special or delicate wallpapers and various painting engagements, up to the time of his passing.
After retirement, Warren fell in love with karaoke and started his own business with Sandy. He did not only enjoy singing but he loved meeting new people, creating lasting relationships, and working to make everyone sound good. Even on his roughest days, he found peace in adjusting sound controls to make everyone sound exactly right and have an enjoyable time.
Warren enjoyed riding his motorcycle, with Sandy sitting in the co-pilot’s seat right behind him, fishing, and spending time with his loving wife and family. He especially enjoyed attending various activities for his two grandchildren, of whom he was immensely proud.
Warren will be missed for his infectious smile and his exclamation “Greaaa Day,” and on occasion “Greaaa Day in the Morning.” He also had a unique ability to animate song lyrics, work a crowd, and wasn’t afraid to make fun of himself, which is remarkable considering he was an extreme introvert until age 65.
Warren is preceded in death by his parents, William Harold, and Mary Eliza (Callas); brother, William Coleman; son, Warren Lee, Jr.; and daughter, Windi Anne. He is survived by his wife, Sandy; sons, Kenny, and Kevin; daughter, Cindi (Fellows); granddaughters, Amanda, Teasha, and Marissa; grandson, Jordan; step-grandchildren, Brannan Holdren and Bradley Fellows; and step-great grandchild, Maddox Holdren.
