Vernon Ray Bowen, 66, of Springdale, Arkansas, passed away on Saturday, December 28, 2024. He was born on June 7, 1958, in Springdale, Arkansas, to Vernon Bowen and Bernice (Corter) Bowen, who later became Bernice Brungardt. He was also raised by his stepfather, Elmer Brungardt. Ray married Sharon Ethridge on July 19, 1995, in Rogers, Arkansas. They were married for twenty-nine years and built a life full of love and memories. Ray worked hard for his family, spending twenty-four years at Tyson Foods as a chicken catcher.

Ray loved being outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and boating. His family meant everything to him, and he was immensely proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, often sharing stories about them with anyone who would listen. Ray never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He loved sharing stories and always had something to say that could make people laugh or think. Ray was preceded in death by parents, Vernon Bowen and Bernice Brungardt; grandmother, Grandma Bowen; stepfather, Elmer Brungardt; two brothers, James Bowen and Paul Brungardt.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Bowen; children, Bradley Bowen, Bobby Bowen and his wife, Misty Bowen, Shawna Honaker and her husband, Ronnie Honaker, Alisha Stephenson, Joshua Stephenson and his wife, Felisha Stephenson, and Crystal Gray; grandchildren, Katelynn Fortenberry and her husband, Kyle Fortenberry, Marissa Bowen, Triston Simmons, Riley Bowen, Tanner Caldwell, Camron Stephenson, Alyson Stephenson, Tucker Caldwell, Tristan Spurgeon, Dillan Spurgeon, Nathanyel Bowen, Savannah Bowen, and Ahslynn Gray; great-grandchildren, Kimber Fortenberry and Kambri Fortenberry; sisters, Judy Kelley and Linda Bowen; and many other beloved family and friends.

Visitation will be 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 3, 2025, at Benton County Memorial Park in Rogers, Arkansas.