Biography:
Willie B. Owens, Sr. was born on November 8, 1938 in Branchville, SC to the union of the late Mr. Bennie C. Owens and Mrs. Lillie Ruth Warren Owens. He passed on August 5, 2022. He became a member of McBranch Baptist Church in Branchville, SC at an early age and served faithfully.
Willie B. 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 Ed.S from the Citadel, and did further study at Clemson University and the University of South Carolina.
Willie B. is survived by his loving, devoted wife of 59 years Arminta P. Owens of the home; sons Derrick Chase Owens, MD of Dallas, TX, Willie B. Owens, Jr. of the home, Greg T. Nell of Atlanta, GA; his twin brother Sammie G. Owens of Bamberg, SC; his sister Ruth Owens Butts Harvey (James) of Orangeburg; granddaughters Lauren B. Nell of Athens, Greece and Jessica M. Nell of Atlanta, GA; brother-in-law Benjamin Partridge of Allendale, SC, and a plethora of Nieces, Nephews, extended family and friends.
Willie B. was preceded in death by his parents Mr. Bennie C. Owens and Mrs. Lillie Ruth Warren Owens; sister Mrs. Mattie E. Owens Peterman Davis; mother-in-law Mrs. Charlotte E. Montague Partridge; father-in-law Joseph A. Partridge.
Willie B.’s work experience was expansive, and includes: Executive Director of Voorhees College Community Development Corporation, Assistant Vice President for Academic Administration/Director for 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, Teacher of Agriculture 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 Teacher of Agriculture for Richard Carroll High School.
Willie B. was devoted to public service and did what he could to make life better for individuals locally and nationally. He really enjoyed serving the citizens of Orangeburg County District #7 as their County Council Representative. His wife Arminta, his sons, his former students, extended family along with his constituents of District 7 gave him tremendous Joy!
Two of Willie B.’S proudest accomplishments while a member of Orangeburg County council were spearheading the building of Whittaker Community Center, and the erection of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Monument at the Orangeburg County Courthouse.
