Willie Ray Owensby

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.

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