I met Secretary Owings while working at the Office of the Secretary of State and was instantly fond of him. On my first day of work, serving a different department, the Assistant Secretary of State gave an overview of the various departments in the building. He mentioned Secretary Owings and the great work he did, and with a smile, how I’d hear him before seeing him.

As the building was under renovation, Veterans Affairs temporarily moved to the floor where I worked. Quickly, he became a friend. He was passionate about his work, compassionate, and made time to engage and connect with people. Anytime I got to connect with him, whether in passing, in conversation, or by email, he took the time and was dedicated to serving and supporting.

He was an admirable human being of character and integrity. I am grateful to have known him. Thank you, George. Rest in peace, friend.

My dearest and best friend as we grew up together. Too many incredible stories no one would believe, so why tell them. We did join the USMC together!!! In my 80 years on this planet many people have touched my life, very few have been as close as GO and I. RIP dear friend, with tears now rolling down my cheeks!!!

Thank you George for getting me started in the mortgage business! I know you helped countless other in many different ways over the years and made a positive difference in many, many lives. The good things that resulted from your many acts of kindness, I am sure, were unending ripples in the living streams of many men and women. God bless you!

You were a dedicated friend, advocate for US veterans, Calvert Countians, motorcyclists and anyone who needed help, George. I am honored to be called your friend. Your good deeds (many of which remain unknown to many), performed with humility, integrity and compassion made a profound impact on all who knew you. You are greatly missed and you leave behind a shining example of what a public servant should be.

A who served the safety of our nation with honor as well man truly committed to the help of his fellow veteans and the people of Calvert County. A gentle sense of humor helped others work through life. May God bring him into the joy of heaven quickly

Rest well my brother. You served your time and will be surely missed.

Rest in eternal peace, Marine

He was a great man. He will be missed for sure. Rip George ????

My heart-felt condolences to George’s family.
I learned today of George’s passing.
We were supposed to go to lunch a few months back…I kept his voice mail message on the phone to remind me to call him. Yesterday, I erased the message in error and wrote a note to call later this week.
We shared a good deal of the same sensibilities (not a good thing at times but still funny to the both of us!). I adored his heart and commitment to the human spirit and the love of his duty to serve when asked. Whenever I needed him to assist on something from helping a young kid back from deployment with PTSD, to attending a function, or as a guest speaker, he was there. He helped me walk through some decision-making processes and made sure my Irish did not get the better of me. I have the honor of saying George was a part of my life. Now I have the honor of saying thank you for being a part of my life as you wave good-bye, looking over to smile while driving off in your Cadillac and honking your horn.

As former editor of the Calvert Independent for 10 years, I was always impressed with George Owings. He was a fierce advocate for Calvert County and Southern Maryland. A brother to two Vietnam veterans, I appreciated his service. May he rest in peace.