Josh Owens Biography: Moonshiner, Racer, Survivor – Inside His Life, Injuries, and TV Journey

Long before Josh Owens became a familiar face on Moonshiners, the craft of distilling ran through Appalachian hills like a hidden lifeline—whispered between generations, forged in secrecy, and steeped in survival. Owens didn’t just join a show; he stepped into a legacy.

A rugged lumberjack and former professional motocross racer, Josh Owens brings real-world grit to the world of reality TV moonshining. His journey is marked by high-risk injuries, hands-on labor, and an unwavering connection to Appalachian roots. While fans frequently search for his age, details about his accident, updates on his wife, or questions about his father, they’re ultimately drawn to something deeper—a man who lives and breathes the fading art of traditional moonshining. Through personal setbacks and public comebacks, Owens continues to represent the raw, resilient spirit of a craft that refuses to die.

Early Life and Background of Moonshiner Josh Owens

Josh Owens, was born on August 28, 1977, in Columbus, North Carolina, United States. He was born a twin—his brother Jeremy Owens shares the same birthday—and together they were raised in a tight-knit Appalachian household. Josh also has a sister named Chelsea Morris.

Josh’s upbringing was shaped significantly by his maternal grandparents, Hazel and James “Speck” Owens. They played a central role in raising him. In a moving tribute following Hazel’s passing in 2015, Josh recalled the stability and unconditional love they offered, especially through difficult and chaotic phases of his youth. His grandfather was his weekend companion, often taking him on fishing and hunting trips, while his grandmother was a constant emotional anchor. Their guidance during his early years helped shape his upbringing.

Josh’s mother, Cindy Owens, was a U.S. Army veteran and long-time employee of General Electric. She devoted her life to her children—Josh, Jeremy, and Chelsea—and her obituary from 2011 mentions her deep love for them and for her granddaughter, Reese Owens. At the time of her passing, Cindy was married to Rick.

Josh displayed a passion for thrill and speed from an early age. He grew up idolizing Evel Knievel and sought out any chance to ride—whether on dirt bikes, go-karts, or street motorcycles. He completed his secondary education at Woodridge High School before beginning a career that would take him through professional racing, manual trades, and reality television.

Career and Progression

Josh Owens began his motorsports journey in rural North Carolina, where his love for racing and adventure took shape. In his 20s, he became a professional motocross and superbike racer, competing in regional circuits such as the North Carolina Hare Scramble Association (NCHSA) and the Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) series. He earned titles in the Heavy-C class in 2003 and the 250-B class in 2004. He later moved up to 250-A in 2005, but a serious knee injury ended his competitive dirt racing career.

Despite the injury, Josh never let go of his racing spirit. He later transitioned into vintage motorcycle and drag racing. In 2016, he joined the Southeast Gassers Association (SGA), a group dedicated to preserving 1960s-era drag racing. Josh raced a 1953 Chevy Gasser at tracks like Brainerd Motorsports Park and Greer Dragway, earning a reputation for hands-on craftsmanship and fearless driving. In a 2016 interview, he described the experience as “real racing,” rooted in driver skill rather than financial backing.

Josh has also competed in the “Sons of Speed” board track races, including regular appearances at Daytona Beach’s New Smyrna Speedway. He raced vintage Harley-Davidson motorcycles, including a 1937 model with an engine built by Berry Wardlaw, and was promoted by Choppers Inc. founder Billy Lane. Notably, he won the 45 class in 2018 and continued to race there in subsequent years, including 2023. His participation remained active even after a major accident during Daytona Bike Week in 2023, which required a long recovery. He returned to competitive racing at Knoxville Dragway in September 2024, once again racing with the Southeast Gassers Association.

Josh operates a business in Polk County called Tree and Yard Busters, where he works as a lumberjack. The work includes using heavy machinery like bobcats and dump trucks, land clearing, and tree climbing—skills that reflect his rugged, self-sufficient lifestyle.

Television and Moonshining

Josh Owens rose to national recognition through his role on Discovery Channel’s docudrama Moonshiners, where he debuted in 2012 during Season 2, Episode 1 titled “Rise ’n Shine!”. His entry into television was deeply personal and rooted in tribute. Josh had been building a memorial project for his late friend and local moonshining legend, Barney Barnwell. The project involved constructing an underground room intended for Barnwell’s band to use as both a stage and a still site. Just as construction began, Barnwell passed away following two strokes.

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Determined to honor his friend, Josh completed the project with the help of fellow moonshiner Billy Canny. The emotional tribute caught the attention of Discovery Channel producers, who were impressed not only by the craftsmanship but also by the heartfelt story behind it. In 2011, roughly a year after Barnwell’s passing, Barnwell’s widow received a call from the network, asking if Josh and Billy would be interested in continuing the story on camera. What began as a private act of remembrance soon evolved into a national television presence, setting Josh on a path that blended heritage, community, and mainstream media exposure.

As of 2025, Josh has appeared in over 170 episodes of Moonshiners, becoming one of the series’ most familiar and enduring personalities. Known for his rugged charm and Appalachian authenticity, he showcases both traditional moonshine techniques and modern legal distilling efforts. His dog Cutie Pie, often riding along on his motorcycle, has become an unexpected icon among fans.

Beyond the main series, Josh has also been featured in spin-offs including Moonshiners: American Spirit (2022–2023), where he appeared in three episodes revisiting historical bootlegging sites, and Master Distiller, in which he served as both a contestant and guest judge across multiple episodes from 2020 to 2025. He also appeared in the Master Distiller: Tournament of Champions in 2022.

Josh’s longevity on the show reflects his deep connection to Appalachian culture and his hands-on approach to both distilling and life. While Moonshiners focuses on the spirit itself, Josh’s authenticity and life experience have made him a standout figure on the series.

Josh’s storytelling, hands-on skill, and dedication to preserving Appalachian heritage have earned him a loyal following. Although the show’s premise revolves around moonshine, Owens’ real appeal lies in his unwavering commitment to family, craft, and culture. His television presence remains a key extension of the same values he learned growing up in the mountains of North Carolina.

Injuries and Accidents

Josh Owens’ life has been marked not just by success but also by resilience in the face of serious injuries. One of the most significant incidents occurred in March 2023 during Daytona Bike Week, when he was involved in a devastating motorcycle crash while racing on a board track. Josh lost traction on an oil-slicked turn and collided with a concrete wall at over 80 mph. The impact shattered 16 bones and left him with severe injuries including a broken neck, broken back, multiple fractures in both arms and legs, a bruised aorta, liver damage, and a concussion.

In Season 13, Episode 1 of Moonshiners, Josh recounted the harrowing experience, describing an out-of-body moment where he thought he might not survive. He underwent numerous surgeries and faced months of rehabilitation, physical therapy, and financial hardship. A GoFundMe campaign was launched by friends to support his recovery, especially as he lacked medical insurance at the time. The campaign raised over $31,000 from nearly 400 donors.

Despite the ordeal, Josh demonstrated remarkable determination to recover. He began an intensive workout and therapy regimen, supported by his moonshiner friends and even Butterbean, a former fighter who had undergone his own recovery journey. Josh worked tirelessly to regain mobility and strength, frequently expressing his desire to get “back to work” and return to the woods.

In September 2024, Josh made a triumphant return to racing, competing at Knoxville Dragway with the Southeast Gassers Association. His comeback was widely celebrated by fans and fellow racers alike, solidifying his reputation not only as a thrill-seeker but also as a symbol of grit and resilience. For Josh Owens, every scar tells a story—and he continues to live that story with fierce resolve.

2018 Motorcycle Wreck

Earlier in March 2018, Josh had survived another serious motorcycle accident. The wreck resulted in multiple injuries: broken nose and ribs, a collapsed lung, and loss of the remaining portion of an already partially amputated finger.

Although the injuries were severe, Josh was not in immediate danger and began a slow and steady recovery. The lung and rib damage in particular took considerable time to heal, marking another chapter in his long battle with physical adversity.

2016 Grinding Wheel Accident

In 2016, Josh suffered a gruesome injury in an accident involving an exploding grinding wheel. The incident caused a deep laceration and partial amputation of one of his fingers. This injury would later complicate his recovery after the 2018 motorcycle crash, eventually resulting in the complete loss of that finger.

Net Worth

As of 2025, Josh Owens’ exact net worth has not been publicly confirmed through official sources. However, given his longstanding presence on Moonshiners, spin-off appearances, business ventures, and racing affiliations, estimates from various outlets place his net worth in the range of $300,000 to $500,000. This includes income from television, racing sponsorships, merchandise, and his tree service business.

Personal Life: Wife and Children

As of now, Josh Owens is not married, nor is he known to be in a public relationship. In a 2015 interview, he acknowledged managing a complicated dynamic between his then-partner and an ex-girlfriend, but since then, he has largely kept his romantic life private.

Josh became a father in February 2010 with the birth of his daughter, Elizabeth Reese Owens. While he has not publicly disclosed the identity of her mother or clarified whether their relationship involved marriage, he has been actively involved in Reese’s upbringing. Known for valuing fatherhood deeply, Josh has often been seen spending time with Reese and extended family members, including his sister Chelsea Morris and her son.

In the early 2010s, Josh was in a long-term relationship with Amber Layne Gabric. Their partnership lasted from 2012 to 2014, and during that period, Amber also played a supportive role in Reese’s life. The relationship ended quietly, and neither Josh nor Amber has spoken publicly about the reasons for their separation.

Josh’s role as a father extends beyond his personal life. He has shown a strong commitment to child welfare causes, participating in charitable events and awareness campaigns. His passion for helping underprivileged children may well be rooted in his own experience of raising a child.

Despite his rugged image as a moonshiner and thrill-seeker, Josh Owens holds family close and demonstrates a compassionate side, especially when it comes to children and community support.

Josh Owens – Wiki Bio Facts

Full Name	Josh Owens
Date of Birth	August 28, 1977
Place of Birth	Columbus, North Carolina, USA
Age (as of 2025)	47 years old
Nationality	American
Occupation	Reality TV Star, Moonshiner, Racer, Lumberjack
Known For	Moonshiners (Discovery Channel)
Years Active	2012–present (television)
TV Debut	Moonshiners, Season 2, Episode 1 (2012)
Children	1 daughter – Elizabeth Reese Owens
Marital Status	Unmarried
Notable Injuries	2023 motorcycle crash (16 broken bones), 2018 wreck, 2016 hand injury
Business	Tree and Yard Busters (Polk County, NC)
Dog	Cutie Pie (featured on Moonshiners)
Estimated Net Worth	$300,000 – $500,000 (as of 2025)
Residence	Polk County, North Carolina