Ray Elmer Owens

Ray Elmer Owens, Jr.

Ray went to be with his Lord on May 10. 2026 after a long illness.

Ray is preceded in death by his father, Ray E. Owens, Sr.; mother, Katherine Goad: mother, Gladys Owens, brothers; Ronald Wade, Alan Wade, Greg Wade, and Mike Owens.

He is survived by his mother, Sylvia Owens; brothers, Gary (Lee Anne) Wade and Fred

Owens; sisters, Kathy (Danny) Otey and Barbara (Darrell) Shepherd. Also surviving are nieces and nephews and Ray's longtime friend, Della Wheeling.

Ray had a kind and gentle spirit and enjoyed listening to country and gospel music at senior events and churches with his friend Della. ln his younger years, Ray enjoyed racing motorcycles, helping his brother, with his race car, and in later years he enjoyed watching his brother, Fred, race his motorcycles. Ray and Fred enjoyed doing charity motorcycle rides and did volunteer work at Freedom Farms in Bedford. Ray loved his Harley Davidson motorcycle but in his last years, his health did not allow him to ride any longer. We will always remember Ray at Christmas time because he loved dressing up as Santa Claus and visiting children.

ln lieu of flowers, please donate to Feeding America, SW VA or any charity of your choice. Ray's service will be held at Simpson Funeral Home, Peters Creek Road Chapel, on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 2:00PM, with Minister Ronald Dank Wade officiating. Special music by Maynard Palmer. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home Peters Creek Chapel. (540)366-0707.