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TO EXPRESS PROFOUND SORROW UPON THE PASSING OF WILLIE B. OWENS, SR. AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Willie B. Owens, Sr., at the age of eighty-three, on August 6, 2022; and
Whereas, a native of Branchville, Mr. Owens was born on November 8, 1938, to parents Bennie C. Owens and Lillie Ruth Warren Owens; and
Whereas, Mr. Owens graduated from Wilkinson High School in 1956. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture in 1960 and a Master of Education degree in 1966 from then-South Carolina State College. He earned his Educational Specialist degree from The Citadel, and studied further at Clemson University and the University of South Carolina; and
Whereas, Mr. Owens's work experience was expansive. He served as Executive Director of Voorhees College Community Development Corporation; Assistant Vice President of Academic Administration, Director of Professional and Continuing Studies at Claflin University; Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs at Voorhees College; principal of Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School; Director of Transportation at Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School; agriculture teacher at Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School; director of Future Farmers of America Camp in Orangeburg; director of Vocational Programs for Bamberg School District Number One; and agriculture teacher for Richard Carroll High School; and
Whereas, a civic leader, Mr. Owens was devoted to public service and did what he could to make life better for individuals locally and nationally. He enjoyed serving the citizens of Orangeburg County District 7 as their county council representative. While a member of Orangeburg County Council, he spearheaded the building of the Whittaker Community Center and the erection of the Martin Luther King Jr. monument at the Orangeburg County Courthouse; and
Whereas, a devout Christian, Mr. Owens became a member of McBranch Baptist Church at an early age and served faithfully; and
Whereas, Mr. Owens was preceded in death by his parents, Bennie C. Owens and Lillie Ruth Warren Owens; his sister, Mattie E. Owens Peterman Davis; his mother-in-law, Charlotte E. Montague Partridge; and his father-in-law, Joseph A. Partridge; and
Whereas, Mr. Owens leaves to cherish his memory his wife of fifty-nine years, Arminta P. Owens; his sons, Derrick Chase Owens, MD, Willie B. Owens, Jr., and Greg T. Nell; his twin brother, Sammie G. Owens; his sister, Ruth Owens Butts Harvey (James); his granddaughters, Lauren B. Nell and Jessica M. Nell; his brother-in-law, Benjamin Partridge; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. He will be greatly missed. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, express profound sorrow upon the passing of Willie B. Owens, Sr. and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Willie B. Owens, Sr.
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