James Clayton Ownbey

James Clayton Ownbey, 31, of Atlanta, and formerly of Dalton, passed away on Sunday, March 21, 2021. Clayton was preceded in death by his grandfather, Jim Ownbey, and his uncle, Chuck Hendry.

Clayton was a gifted musician and writer. He was an avid outdoorsman—from snowboarding to kayaking. Clayton loved and cherished his family and friends. He had a smile that would light up a room.

Clayton is survived by his son, James Landon Ownbey; parents, Charlene (Steve) Rowenhorst and Rodney (Lisa) Ownbey; sisters, Christa (Will) Gray and Dakota Rowenhorst; grandparents, Charles and June Hendry and Billie Ownbey; niece, Savannah Gray; and aunts and uncles, Abbie (Brian) Hammett, Chris (Angela) Hendry, and Rudy Ownbey. Cousins also survive.

A memorial service for Clayton will be held on Friday, March 26, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Dalton with Dr. Jonathan Barlow, Reverend Phillip Cannon, and Reverend Larry Flanagan officiating. Visitation will be held in the Atrium of the Church from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. The memorial service can be viewed via livestream. Click here to watch. Per recommendations from the CDC, the family requests that all persons attending the visitation or memorial service please wear a mask. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Brighter DeKalb Foundation (P. O. Box 1648, Decatur, GA 30031) or to an addiction treatment center of your choice.