Owen Chalmers Marrow, 46, of Tarboro, NC, died unexpectedly on August 21, 2026, in Beaufort County, NC. A private family graveside service will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Tarboro at a later date.

Owen was preceded in death by his father, Jim Marrow and his grandparents, Chalmers and Jane Marrow of Tarboro, and by his grandparents, Betsy and Earl Owen of Lynchburg, VA.

Owen is survived by his son, Johnny O’Briant of Rocky Mount; his mother, Molly Marrow of Tarboro; and his sister, Helen and her husband Mike and their children, George, Virginia, and James Redd of Belmont, MA; as well as his loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family members.

A lifelong resident of Tarboro, Owen was born on March 17, 1980. He graduated in 1998 from North Edgecombe High School, and from Earlham College in 2004. After returning home Owen worked over the years in various positions; among them he taught Spanish at Hobgood Academy, served as a field representative for the U.S. Census Bureau, and worked for the Edgecombe County Rescue Squad as an EMT, where he was honored as the Volunteer of the Year in 2013.

Owen was curious, imaginative and always coming up with a new idea or venture, whether it involved work or play. Language, math and science fascinated him. He wrote poetry from a young age, and at Earlham, wrote his senior thesis on the intricacies of translating humor and sarcasm in The Simpson from English into Spanish. He was also passionate about the ancient Chinese strategy game Go, playing daily with friends or in tournaments, and even playing several long-form games online at the same time. Owen loved spending his time computing, driving, video gaming, taking his dog Brownie on walks, and visiting his family’s Pamlico River cabin, but above all he loved spending time anywhere he could with his beloved son Johnny. Owen will be remembered, loved and greatly missed by those whose lives he touched.

The family is deeply grateful for the many family members, friends and neighbors who shared his loss with us through their words and acts of kindness, loving care and support.