Archie Wells Owens III, 55, of Columbia, South Carolina passed away suddenly on August 24, 2024.  He was born on November 6, 1968 in Columbia, South Carolina to Patricia H. Owens and the late Archie Owens, Jr.

Archie was a 1987 graduate of Lower Richland High School.  There is where he met the love of his life, Mandy Holt.  They dated for almost five years and enjoyed thirty three years of a tremendous marriage.  During his time at Lower Richland High School, he was very involved in sports. Archie was a dedicated athlete and lettered four years in football and baseball.  After completing high school, he attended Spartanburg Methodist College where he earned a baseball scholarship.  In 1989 after graduating from college with an Associate’s degree, he chose to join his family business at Owens Welding Works, a third generation business that began in 1950.  In the early years, they specialized in wrought iron gates, hand rails and window guards.  In 2015 Archie acquired the family business when his father retired.  Archie continued to grow the business and took it to another level.  He was not afraid to try new things which allowed the business to grow beyond wrought iron.  If it could be welded, he could do it.  Archie learned the welding trade at a young age.  Not just a welder, he was a creative artist. When it came to his work, his craftsmanship was phenomenal.  Archie was very proud of his creations and very particular about the work that left Owens Welding Works.

Archie was very well known in the community for his knowledge and kind heart.  His wisdom was expressed not only in his work, but through his ability to listen and give advice.  He always gave people a chance.

In 1991, Archie married his high school sweetheart, Mandy.  The happy couple welcomed their only son Archie W. Owens, IV in 1994.  Archie was so proud of his son and his accomplishments.  Archie was not only his dad, but as Archie IV became his own man, they became best friends.  Archie coached his son and many others in Dixie Youth baseball at Pineview ballpark.  Archie was loved and respected by his son and children who played for him.  Archie loved to spend time with friends and family.  Anyone who knew him knows he liked to have a good time laughing and joking around.  Having a strong love for the outdoors, he enjoyed deer hunting and fishing.  Archie also had a love for drag racing.  He drag raced with his dad for over thirty years.  He would always say, "I like to fly fast, and low to the ground!”

He was a loving husband, father, father-in-law, son, son-in-law, brother-in-law, Uncle and friend.  He will be missed by so many people who knew and loved him.  Archie will never be forgotten.

Archie is survived by his wife Amanda  (Mandy) L. Owens; a son, Archie W. Owens IV. (Ashlynn); his mother, Patricia H Owens; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gene and Jeanette Holt; sister-in-Law, Lorraine Stouffer (Kevin); niece, Kathleen Thurmond (Ben); nephew, Jay Brazier (Casie); three great nephews, and two great nieces.  He is also survived by Uncle Roger and Aunt Kay Logan, cousins Casey and Brandy all of Decatur Alabama and many extended family members.  He also leaves behind a very dedicated member of his work family, Tucker Putman.  Archie was very proud of him and treated him as a second son.

Archie was predeceased by his father, Archie W Owens, Jr., and his grandparents, Archie W. and Floy Mae Owens and his maternal grandparents, O.D. and Grace 'Mildred" Harvell.

A family visitation will be held at Mt. Elon Baptist Church, 718 Mt. Elon Church Road, Hopkins, SC on Friday, October 18, 2024 from 5:00PM until 7:00PM.  The Celebration of Archie's life will be held at Mt. Elon Baptist Church on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Charles Wilson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mt. Elon Baptist Church, 718 Mt. Elon Church Road, Hopkins SC 29061, or the Epworth Children's Home, 2900 Millwood Ave, Columbia, SC 29205