Millard Theodore Owen, III

Clinton

Mr. Millard Theodore Owen, III, 75, of Clinton, went to be with the Lord on Friday, November 14, 2025 at UNC Health Johnston in Smithfield.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, November 17, 2025 at Zoar Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church with Reverend Kelvin Blackman officiating. The burial will follow at Zoar Pentecostal Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery with Military Honors.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 PM on Sunday, November 16, 2025 at Butler Funeral Home in Roseboro. The family will also receive friends from 1:00 – 1:45 PM on Monday, November 17, 2025 at Zoar Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church prior to the service. At other times, the family will receive friends at 209 Glendale Drive, Clinton, NC 28328.

Mr. Owen was a native of Sampson County, the son of Millard Theodore Owen, Jr. and Bessie Crumpler Owen Horne. He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Oscar Horne; great-grandson, Simon Riley Todd; and brother-in-law William C. Street.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 55 years, Deborah Street Owen of the home; a son, Millard Theodore (Teddy) Owen, IV and wife Robin of Clinton; two daughters, Wendy Dixon and husband Joe of Clinton, and Melea Hollingsworth and husband Waylon of Clinton; six grandchildren, Kayla Royal, Scarlett N. Owen Todd and husband Jeffrey, Jordan Dixon, Walker Dixon, Olivia Hollingsworth, and Alaina Hollingsworth; one great-grandson, Elias Jay Todd; two brothers, Keith Owen and wife Brenda of Roseboro, and Rex Owen and wife Susan of Stedman; two brothers-in-law, Kendall Street, and J.R. Street and wife Sherry; numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.

A man of deep character and steady faith in God, Millard dedicated his life to service—both to his community and to the church he dearly loved. Over the years he served as Deacon and Choir Director at Zoar PFWB Church, attended and supported Bread of Life Church, served as a board member and President of the Sampson County Gospel Sing, served on the Sampson County Board of Health, and proudly served in the Army National Guard. He earned the honor of Eagle Scout in his early years and built his career of over 50 years as a respected Registered Land Surveyor and businessman in Sampson County and surrounding areas.

Millard’s love for music was a defining part of his life. Gifted with a beautiful tenor voice, he shared his love of Southern Gospel music with many groups over the years, including—though never limited to—The Glad Tidings Quartet, Homeward Bound Quartet, The Liberty Quartet, Southern Hearts Trio, Glory Bound, and The Joyland Singers. He also spent many cherished years singing with The Viewmasters, whose members became more like family than friends. Millard was always ready to sing at community events, church gatherings, weddings and anywhere else he was asked. He loved every opportunity to pick and play alongside his Bluegrass friends on his upright bass. He never missed an opportunity to break out “Hole in the Bottom of the Sea”, bringing laughter and joy to kids and adults alike. His talent, joy, and heart for worship blessed countless lives. He was also an active member of the Ol’ Lightnin’ Rods Car Club.

Millard enjoyed life to the fullest. He loved woodworking, renovating houses, using his hands to build and fix anything, being on his lawn mower, tractor or backhoe, and watching Westerns. He loved a good meal, never passed up dessert or a plate of boiled shrimp, and was known for his sense of humor—often bringing laughter to the family with his famous Billy Bob teeth and well-timed jokes. Above all, he loved the Lord, his family, and the simple joy of being together.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Zoar Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church, 740 Zoar Church Road, Salemburg, NC 28385.

Services entrusted to Butler Funeral Home, 401 W. Roseboro Street, Roseboro, NC 28382.