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A lifelong resident and passionate public servant of the Currituck community, James Owen Etheridge joined his heavenly Father in Paradise on June 25, 2026 after an extensive illness. Owen, born in Elizabeth City, NC on July 28, 1951 was one of four siblings born to Doc Horace Etheridge and Lela Iris (Earp) Etheridge.
Forever treasuring their memories of Owen are his beloved and dedicated wife, Rene Mosely Etheridge; his two children, Pope Etheridge and Lindsey Etheridge Tice (Greg); and the apples of Owen's eye, his grandchildren, Alexis Tice, Ashton Tice, Tate Etheridge, Oliver Tice, Rose Tice and Fable Tice. Also surviving is his sister, Jane Etheridge; his sister, LeAnn Etheridge (Patrick "Mac" McInerney); his brother, Joseph Doc Etheridge (Laura Dobson Etheridge); and nephews, Zack Small (Sara) and Will Small (Kelly). He also cherished his great-niece, Jazlynn Simpson and many other great nieces, nephews, and his loyal furbaby and constant companion, EllieMae.
Owen will be particularly remembered for his love of family and his servant's heart and for his devotion to serving Currituck County. He built a legacy of commitment to bettering the quality of life of all Currituck residents. He was a formidable Patriot, loyal to his Country, mastered an understanding for government and stood steadfast in defense of our Nation's devotion to liberty. Many will continue to admire Owen's personal and public contributions for years to come.
Friends and family may view Wednesday, July 1, 2026 from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints (965 E. Ridge Road in Shawboro, NC 27973). A ceremony, "To Honor the Legacy of Owen Etheridge" will be held at the church the following day, Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 11am. Friends may greet the family at a reception immediately following the funeral and the interment will be private. The family will also receive guests at the residence.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Currituck Fire and EMS, a cause Owen strongly supported. Please share expressions of love, sympathy, and support with the Etheridge family at www.gallopfuneralservices.com.

Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was founded in Nags Head, NC in 2006 by licensed North Carolina Funeral Director Courtney N. Gallop. This independent, minority and woman-owned start-up funeral home challenged the existing monopoly firm which had sole control of all funeral care, goods, and services provided in Manteo, the Outer Banks, and Currituck County for nearly 100 years.
Finally - someone brought competition into the local funeral industry. As a direct result of Gallop Funeral Services, Inc., local families now have choices, options, alternatives, fairer pricing, flexibility, and a higher level of service in funeral care for their loved ones.

In 2016, Gallop Memorial Chapel was opened in Barco, NC. The spacious, newly remodeled facility is the first and only funeral service-related business ever to locate in Currituck County. The Barco Gallop Memorial Chapel is conveniently located near the Outer Banks, Moyock and Elizabeth City. The elegant yet relaxing chapel interior is welcoming and comfortable for viewings, family gatherings, funerals, and memorial services. Our Barco chapel is perfectly equipped to serve all faiths and families in the county.
Courtney Gallop and the staff at Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. are committed to excellence. We continue to improve, grow, invest, and learn in order to provide the highest level of service for all families entrusted to our care.

In 2011, we built and established Capital Crematory, the first and only crematory ever in Dare County. The crematory supports Gallop Funeral Services and also provides professional cremation services for other funeral homes in the Albemarle area. Having our own local crematory means your loved one's cremation will be handled personally by owners of the funeral home, 100% locally, quickly, and at the best pricing.