Harry Philpot Owens, 88, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2020, at his home in Oxford surrounded by his loving family. The memorial service will be Friday, March 13, 2020, at Waller Funeral Home Chapel at 12 p.m. with Reverend Warren Black and Reverend Eddie Rester officiating. Burial will follow in Oxford Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will also be on Friday from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. in West Hall of Waller Funeral Home.

Born in Montgomery, Ala., to the late Charles Hastings and Annie Philpot Owens, Harry was a history professor at the University of Mississippi. He was later named as the professor emeritus at the University of Mississippi in the History Department. He obtained both his Bachelor and Master of Arts degree from Auburn University. He later earned his doctorate degree from Florida State University. He was awarded a post-doctoral fellowship at Johns Hopkins University in Afro-American Studies. He spent several years lecturing on historical steamboat cruises. A professor of history for 32 years, Harry was loved by all of his students. That love was exemplified by several generous gifts to Ole Miss in honor of him during and after his career. He also served on the Oxford Historical Commission.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Lou Owens; one daughter, Rebecca O. Lowe, and her husband, Ed; one son, Charles R. Owens, and his wife, Kellie, all of Oxford; one sister, Ann O. Martin, of Virginia Beach, Va.; two special god-children, Henry and Anne Limbo, both of Huntsville, Ala.; and one step-brother, Hugh Upshaw, of Rutherford, Ala. Memorial contributions in Harry’s memory may be made to the Center for Civil War Research, C/O the History Department at the University of Mississippi, Post Office Box 1848, University, MS 38677 or to Mississippi Critterz, 413 McElroy Drive, Oxford, MS 38655.

For additional information or to leave an online condolence, please call 662.234.7971 or visit www.wallerfuneralhome.com.