SEVIERVILLE (WATE) - Claude Ownby, who served as a Sevierville alderman for 19 years, passed away Tuesday at age 77.
Ownby was first elected as a city alderman in 1993 and served continuously through this year.
The city said he served on numerous city boards and committees, including the Sevier County Electric System Board since 1996. He was also vice mayor from 1995-2003.
In 1963, Ownby began working as a lineman at the Sevier County Electric System, and held positions in the engineering department and operations center before leaving in 1984.
Ownby also worked for Sevier County government in several capacities, including as a bridge inspector in the road department and as a judicial magistrate deputy clerk in general sessions court.
As an alderman, Ownby was involved in building a new city hall and police department, relocating the public works department and developing the central business improvement district.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 - 6:45 p.m. Thursday with a Celebration of Life service following at 7:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Sevierville.
The burial service is Friday at 10:00 a.m. at Middle Creek Cemetery.
Alderman Claude Ownby (source: city of Sevierville)
