The funeral service will be conducted Monday at 2:00 PM in Salem United Methodist Church, Simpson, NC, officiated by Rev. Dr. Kirk Oldham, Pastor Shannon Owens Ross, and Chuck Waller. Burial will follow at Pinewood Memorial Park, 4150 E. 10th St., Greenville, NC. Visitation will be at Salem United Methodist Church, 785 McDonald St., Simpson, NC prior to the service on Monday from Noon until 1:45 PM.
Rev. Owens (C.B.) was born in Rocky Mount, NC, and raised in the Odd Fellows Home in Goldsboro, NC; he was the son of the late Charles Clifton and Ella Bruce Owens. He graduated from Goldsboro High School, Catawba College, and Southeastern Seminary.
In C.B.’s younger days, he discovered that he had a passion for playing many sports. One of his favorite sports was football; although small in stature, his determination, strong will, and courage towered over any challenges he faced. While in high school, it was the care and love of his teachers and coaches that led him to a loving, adopted family. He quickly became part of the Bob(Pat) Waller and Howard(Millie)Hall families. Much of his success is attributed to them as they continued to provide unconditional love throughout his entire life. Both families guided and encouraged him to continue playing football while earning his college education.
Spending time with family, watching his “C” teams: Carolina basketball, Colts football, and Cubs baseball always made for a great day. Every year he looked forward to going to the Outer Banks to relax and soak up the sun. His time with his children and grandchildren was precious as he always enjoyed seeing them happy.
C. B. was ordained as a United Methodist minister in 1982 at Duke Chapel, where he officially began his pastoral ministry. He served several United Methodist congregations with commitment, compassion, and love. His pastoral care and transformational preaching impacted many lives and communities. One of the greatest gifts of his pastoral ministry was the years he served at Salem United Methodist in Simpson, NC.
While at Salem, he had the vision to build a thriving church by genuinely offering salvation at every opportunity. His love for people and sports became a magnet for building relationships and leading others to Jesus. The time spent at Salem United Methodist provided his family with many opportunities to establish friendships and give his children a place to call home. He ensured that God’s children had a place in the Lord’s house. The highlight of every Sunday was his Little People’s Church, where he reminded all of us, “Good, Better, Best, never let it rest until the Good is Better and the Better is Best.” His servant’s heart was to spiritually equip strong families, and he modeled this by investing in the Promise Keepers Ministry. Building Kingdom Men to lead their families was the essence of his ministry. He continued his love for coaching by assisting the ECU Pirate Football program and becoming their Team Chaplain. His generosity in helping others amid a crisis was visible throughout his life. After retiring from the United Methodist Church, he served with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
In addition to his parents, C. B. was preceded in death by his brother Buddy Owens, his sister Pat Owens, his adoptive parents, Bob and Pat Waller, his in-laws, Lucien and Harriet Lane, and brother-in law David Penland.
He is survived by: his wife of 48 years, Beverly Lane Owens; children, C. Ryan(Amanda) Owens of Knightdale, NC, Rev. Shannon O. Ross (Hank) of Elizabethtown, NC, and Cliff L. (Becky) Owens of Chadbourn, NC; grandchildren, Samuel L. Ross, Karly L. Ross, Aldyn L. Ross, Sarah A. Owens, Parker L. Owens, Lucien G. Owens, and Hadley I. Owens; brothers, Chuck,(Lisa)Waller, Scott(Donna)Waller, and Wes(Lorie) Waller; sister-in-law Bonnie(John) Mills; and nephews Aaron Smuzynski, and Damon(Melissa) Smuzyznski.
Memorials may be made to Cape Fear Lower Hospice Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401 or online at lifecare.org; Glioblastoma Research, P.O.Box 62066, Durham, NC 27715, Email: info@glioblastomafoundation.org, Phone: 919-402-1775, Boys and Girls Home of North Carolina, P. O. 127, Lake Waccamaw, NC 28540-0127.
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