Lynchburg community celebrates life of Rev. Dr. Owen Cardwell Jr.
LYNCHBURG, Va. (WFXR) — Hundreds gathered at Diamond Hill Baptist Church in Lynchburg on Saturday to celebrate the life of pastor, professor, and civil rights activist Dr. Owen Cardwell Jr.
He died on May 12, at the age of 78.
'There was an ordinary man who became an extraordinary person in the hands of an extraordinary god,' said Cardwell's wife of 38 years, Flora Cardwell during the eulogy for her late husband.
She delivered the eulogy at the same pulpit Cardwell preached from on Sundays as pastor of Diamond Hill Baptist church, a role he took over in 2021.
Cardwell made a name for himself in the Hill City in 1962 at just 14 years old, when he became one of the first two African American students to enroll at E.C. Glass High School, beginning the integration of public schools in Lynchburg.
'He didn't look for fame,' said Flora Cardwell after the service on Saturday. 'He wasn't looking for recognition. His father just told him what he needed to do, and he was following his father's directions.'
Later in 1962, Cardwell met Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who inspired him to participate in the civil rights movement.
Cardwell worked as an activist throughout his life, seeking to bring communities together by building people up.
He did so everywhere he went, including in his hometown of Lynchburg.
'He was a civil rights leader not just in title, but in truth,' said Lynchburg Chief of Police Ryan Zuidema. 'His words echoed through the halls of schools, church sanctuaries, and even our police department.'
Cardwell's friends say he set an example for others in hopes they would draw inspiration from it.
'He gave all he had on the front side, with the expectation that you would take it and run with it,' said Cardwell's 'spiritual son,' and close friend, Jason Boswell.
Cardwell's family and friends say that in the wake of his passing, the best way to honor him is by continuing his life's mission.
'I know for me, I'm going to continue to teach and preach because he taught me,' said Flora Cardwell. 'He was my mentor. Though he was my husband, he was still my teacher, my mentor, and my friend.'
'This is a great day,' said Boswell. 'It's etched in stone on my mind, and I will carry on that legacy.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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