San Francisco 49er great R.C. Owens who embraced Manteca with a passion when he moved here in 2002 passed away Sunday.Owens’ tremendous leaping ability earned him the nickname “Alley Oop” for seemingly impossible receptions originating from San Francisco quarterback Y.A. Tittle in the late 1950s.While he made his mark on the NFL, Owens left an equally big impression on tens of thousands of youngsters in San Joaquin County when he launched a summer reading program while doubling as 49er training camp director from 1998 to 2002 at Stockton’s University of the Pacific. Many of the reading programs are still in place including one at Shasta School. “The 49ers family has suffered a great loss with the passing of R.C. Owens,” 49ers owner and Chairman John York said.
49er great RC Owens passes away
Embraced Manteca as his town, big advocate for youth
