Louis Ray Owens

God graciously called Louis Ray Owens home to Heaven on September 20, 2015. Louis was 80 years old and resided in Milton, Florida where he built a home for his loving family during his retirement years. Louis Ray was born to Rural "Raymond" and Gertrude Fagan Owens on March 13th, 1935 in Delight, Arkansas. Louis Ray was raised in their quaint family home in Delight with his sister Joyce Lynn Owens Childress. Upon graduating high school in Delight and turning 18, Louis Ray joined the United States Navy and reported to his first duty assignment in Little Rock, Ark. It was two years later when he was stationed in Memphis, Tenn. that he met and soon married Sarah Elizabeth "Liz" Hopkins Owens (deceased). God blessed Louis Ray and Liz with four beautiful children: Jerry Edward Owens, Terry Ray Owens, Cheri Elizabeth Owens, and Kerri Yvonne Owens Grant. His daughter Kerri, blessed them with two beautiful granddaughters; Haley Alexis Williamson and Gracie Noel Grant. His daughter, Cheri blessed them as well with a grandson, Connor Edward Murray and a granddaughter, Carly Elizabeth Murray. Louis Ray was further blessed as an uncle to Lisa Childress Long, Debbie Childress Osborne, Mark Childress, Mike Childress, and Tim Childress as well as two grand-nephews and two grand-nieces. Louis Ray still continued to be blessed from his wife's side of the family with a sister-in-law, Alma Hopkins Free, where he was an uncle to Judy Free and her husband John Miller, Dale Free, Wendy Free (deceased), a grandniece and grandnephew. Through the years of being blessed with family, Louis Ray continued building his military career. He was station aboard the USS Buck DD761 at San Diego, NAS Memphis, USS Rhodes DER384 at Naples Italy, Naval Receiving Station in Philadelphia, Pa., Naval Support Activity, DaNang RVN (1 tour), USS John R. Craig DD885 at San Diego (2 tours), USS Tulare LKA112 at San Diego (1 tour), NAS Seattle, Wash., and USS Yosemite AD19 at Mayport, Fla. During these years of assignments, Louis Ray served in Korea on the USS Buck DD761 as well as serving 4 tours in Vietnam. His final duty assignment was BRCOMMSTO NAS Whiting Field in Milton, Florida where after serving almost 27 years, he retired on November 1, 1979 as an E9 Master Chief Petty Officer SKCM. Louis Ray could never stop and stay still, so after his retirement, he chose to further his education by attending Pensacola Junior College where he received an AS Degree. He then attended University of West Florida where he received his BS Degree in Business Administration. Louis Ray devoted his later years to providing a wealth of information on the Owens and Fagan genealogy. He spent his time locating numerous relatives and even visited gravesites for confirmation of ancestor's whereabouts. He eventually wrote a book and graciously donated it to the Arkansas Genealogy Society. Louis Ray will truly be missed; however, his love and memories will continue to live in the hearts of his children, grandchildren, extended family, close friends, and those whose lives he touched. May he now rest in peace and his courageous spirit soar high on eagles wings. Visitation will be 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 25th at Antoine Church of Christ. A graveside service with military honors will follow at 11 a.m. Friday at Antoine Cemetery with Wallace Alexander officiating. Arrangements are by Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. There will be a reception at the Antoine Church of Christ fellowship hall following the service. Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Online register is available at www.ruggleswilcox.com.