Fred Douglas Owens

Fred Douglas Owens was born on December 14, 1941 in Sparkman, Arkansas to Julius and Ida Williams Owens. Fred was quiet and could bring a smile to just about anyone’s face. Fred professed his hope in Christ at a young age. He was a member of New Hope COGIC where he served as a deacon. On November 11, 1964, he was joined in holy matrimony to Mae Francis Macon. To this union seven children were born. Fred was a retired logger having worked for G. C. Nolen for several years. Some of his favorite pastimes included hunting, and fishing but his greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends. He was not a man of many words, but of few words and of many virtues. He was a good man and a hard worker. Fred traveled his road of life and dealt with the stormy and sunny days along the way to the best of his ability. Fred was a patient man. He always maintained a humble spirit and mild disposition throughout his life. We will remember his smiles, his love, and infectious laugh. In his 72nd season of life Fred passed into the Lord’s embrace on Friday, December 20, 2013. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Roosevelt Owens, Sr., sisters, Exie B. Williams and Rosetta Williams and one great-grandchild Miracle Locke. He leaves memories in the hearts of his beloved wife of 49 years, Mae Francis Owens; seven children, Curley Henderson of Sparkman, AR, Odessa Matlock (Terrance) Of Arkadelphia, AR, Freddie Mae Butler (Wesley) Of Arkadelphia, AR, Flora Reed (Austin) of Arkadelphia, Fred Owens (Meredith) of Arkadelphia, AR, Frederick Owens (Shelane) of Camden, AR, and William Owens of Arkadelphia, AR; he also had an adopted son Johnny Smith of Gurdon, AR; thirty grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren; three sisters, Mattie Redmond of Milwaukee, WI, Loretta Matlock of Fordyce, AR, and Inell Hicks of Little Rock, AR; four brothers, Jessie (Corrine) Owens of Prescott, AR, Arthur L. Owens (Cynthia) of Champagne, IL, Hezekiah Owens (Pauline) of Tulip, AR; and Rev. J. W. Owens (Rosie) of Arkadelphia, AR; his mother-in-law, Alberta Macon of Arkadelphia and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Public visitation will be Saturday, December 28, 2013 from 3-6 p.m. at the funeral home. The family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m. Home going services will be Sunday, December 29, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church where Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd, Jr., is the pastor. Rev. John Garr will officiate and Superintendent Robert Davis will preach the message. Interment will be in Harmony Community Cemetery.