Carlton U. Owens

Carlton Ulysee Owens, affectionately known as “Bruh” by his family and friends, peacefully departed this life on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Baptist Health Medical Center in Monticello, Arkansas, at the age of 88.

Carlton was born on January 11, 1938, in Manning Arkansas. “Bruh” was the 2nd of 8 children born to the union of MaeGirtha Dailey Owens and Gee Owens. He accepted Christ at a tender age and as a member of Harmony Missionary Baptist Church in Sparkman.

Carlton was a man of strength, independence, wisdom, and laughter. At the young age of 17, he left home and journeyed to Warren, Arkansas, where he began building a life for himself through determination and hard work. For many years, he faithfully worked in the timber industry as a machine operator, earning the respect of those who worked alongside him.

A true outdoorsman at heart, he found joy and peace in hunting, fishing, and spending time in nature. He loved the simple things in life and treasured every opportunity to be outdoors. He was also known as the life of the party — a man whose presence could light up any room. He never met a stranger and always had a wise joke, humorous story, or encouraging word to share. His laughter was contagious, and he believed deeply that laughter was good for the soul.

Bruh was more than just a jokester; he was a listener, a counselor, and a source of wisdom for many. Family and friends often sought his advice because he had a special way of making people feel heard, loved, and appreciated. Whether through conversation, humor, or heartfelt wisdom, he left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

He enjoyed listening to blues and gospel music. Most importantly, he loved his family and cherished every moment spent creating memories with those closest to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gee and MaeGirtha Owens; his siblings Carl F. Owens, Alfred G. Owens, Dorethia Newburn, Freddie L. Owens, and Geneva O. Hunter and his beloved daughter, Yolanda Gayle Owens.

He leaves a legacy will live in the hearts of his children, Shelia Smith of Milwaukee, WI, Carlton Morise Nolen (Margaret) of Milwaukee, WI, Donald Wayne Owens of Sparkman, AR, Mark Owens of Sparkman, AR, Carolyn Owens of Warren, AR, Vincent Owens of Columbus, GA, Gregory Owens (Carla) of Little Rock, AR, and Ramona Owens of Cordova, TN; a beloved friend, Erma Owens of Warren, AR; his grandchildren, Kaitlin Davidson, Garrick Owens, Asha Owens, Arielle Agbontaen (Dion), Destini Owens, Kandace Law, Jared Harding, Kendrick Law, Carlton Morise Nolen, Jr., Darnell Lamorris Nolen, Shatoya Milton, Carnell Milton, Martell Wade, JeTaime Jackson, MarKenan Marshall and Mikol Marshall; five great-grandchildren; his sisters, Darlene Owens Simpson of Gurdon, AR, Marilyn Fern Owens of Sherwood, AR; his aunt Margaret Dailey-Temple of Little Rock; close friends, Bishop Larry Hines, Freddie Hampton and Robert Harris, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.