With overwhelming sorrow, the Owensby families of Roanoke, announce the passing from this life of their father, grandfather, brother, and faithful friend, Mr. Willie Ray Owensby of Roanoke. Mr. Owensby transitioned from this life on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at Tanner Medical Center, East Alabama in Wedowee.
Services for Mr. Owensby are pending and will be announced.
Willie Ray Owensby, 64, a native and longtime resident of Roanoke, AL, departed this life on March 21, 2023. Willie was born to his father, the late Arthur James Owensby, and mother, the late Maggie Lois Hooks, on July 11, 1958, in Roanoke, becoming the apple of his parent’s eyes.
As a resident of Roanoke, Willie attended the historic Randolph County Training School until desegregation, after which he attended Wadley High School. He affirmed his faith in God as a Peace and Goodwill Baptist Church member. Willie was a retired Heister Driver employed by Plantation Patterns (Metal Furniture Manufacturing) for over twenty years. He was a well-rounded individual. Willie was an avid football fan and cheered on his Atlanta Falcons. Willie was known for his excellent dancing; he loved spending time with family and friends. While in solitude, Willie expressed his love for nature’s beauty while fishing or sitting under a tree.
Willie Ray Owensby was preceded in death by his father, the late Arthur James Owensby, and his mother, the late Maggie Lois Hooks.
A flood of remarkable memories is left behind to be cherished by his loving daughter, Raveona Owensby of Roanoke; five devoted sisters: Margaret Wright (Lorenzia) of Fayetteville, GA, Betty C. Owensby of Griffin, GA, Shirley Langston of Austell, GA and Barbara Driver, and Susan Cooper (Clifford), both of Roanoke, AL; four brothers: Billy Owensby and Reginald Owensby both of Roanoke, AL, Larry Owensby (Lesiha) and Christopher Owensby both of Jacksonville, FL. Willie also shared beautiful memories with his special friend, Nora Slay of Roanoke. We rest assured in the knowledge that his last days were filled with peace because of his excellent caregivers, Abigail Bonner, Rodney Houston (Sarah), and Terrell Johnson all of Roanoke; and finally but not least, a host of nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives and friends.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Willie Ray Owensby, please visit our floral store.
OFFICIATING: Reverend Calvin Trammell, Pastor, Canaan Baptist Church (Welch)
REMARKS: Brother David Battle
EULOGIST: Reverend Michael Joiner
VOCALIST: Sister Casey Adamson
OTHER MINISTERS SHARING THE ROSTER INCLUDE: Pastor Gilbert Staples (First Baptist Church, Roanoke), Brother Larry Owensby, and others
FLOWER ATTENDANTS: Family and Friends
PLEASE NOTE MASKING CONSIDERATIONS...
The State of Alabama does not have a state-wide mask mandate at this time, however, WE ASK that all family and friends in attendance, please observe any masking requirements while on the church premises.
CLARK MEMORIAL FUNERAL SERVICE MASKING CONSIDERATIONS...
We strongly urge all visitors and guests to continue observing masking and physical distancing while visiting on our premises. PLEASE continue to exercise this practice as an act of respect for both family members, and other guests, who may be susceptible to exposure to the COVID-19 virus.
SKYVIEW MEMORIAL GARDENS MASKING CONSIDERATIONS...
With respect to masking, Skyview Memorial Gardens leaves the decision to mask or not, up to the discretion of each individual attending a funeral or graveside service on it's premises. Since it is a commonly held belief that the "open air" serves as a stronger deterrent to COVID-19 exposure the need to use face coverings should be optional. [Reverend Michael J. Joiner]
Our sincere prayers for comfort and peace are sent forth during this time of sadness; and as always, we express deepest gratitude to our communities for sharing with the Owensby families during their bereavement.