Alfred Nathan Owens
- May 27
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 5
1943 ~ 2026
Date of Death: May 27, 2026
In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the Owens Family. Alfred's earthly temple is now resting in the care of Rowell-Parish Mortuary. Revelations 21:4 says, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of Alfred Nathan Owens.
Sincerely,
Derrick Veasley ~ Director
Henry Veasley ~ Founder
Xavier Griffin ~ Director
Pastor Wesley Hooks ~ Chaplain
Mr. Alfred Nathan Owens, III was born on February 14, 1943, to Alfred A. Owens and Alice Frances Quinn Owens in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was the grandson of Millard Quinn, Anna Walker Quinn, and Alfred A. Owens, Sr. Because his father was promoted to Army Sergeant at the time of Alfred’s birth, he was nicknamed “Sarge,” a name he kept through his teenage years. He attended Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church as a child, where he accepted Jesus as his Savior and remained steadfast in his faith throughout his life.
He attended Howard Elementary and Lincoln High schools. He graduated and earned his High School Diploma from the American School in Chicago, Illinois. He entered a trade-school for heavy equipment operators, but due to segregation, apprenticeships in the trade were not available. He then joined a construction company building the segment of Interstate 40 Highway from Russellville to Conway, Arkansas.
In 1966, he was drafted into the U.S. Army to serve in the Vietnam War. He served as a Military Police Officer in Laos and Cambodia, earning an Honorable Discharge.
After leaving the army, he moved to Flint, Michigan where he made his home. As a young adult, due to his red hair and large size, Alfred’s nickname changed to “Big Red”, the name he was most well-known by for over 60 years. He attended Flint Jr. College for a time and then started work at General Motors where he worked in the V-8 Engine Plant for 31 years.
He was a member of St. James C.M.E. Church where he sang in the choir. Big Red loved jazz, and the martial arts, studying Tae Kwon Do, Tiger Crane, and Tai Chi. He also loved foreign languages, always eager to learn how to greet people in their native tongues.
Big Red never met a stranger and made many friends over the years. By nature, Big Red was a helper, and throughout his life he faithfully cared for family members and friends.
Big Red passed peacefully on May 27, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and son James Louis.
He leaves to cherish his memory daughter Ebony Blake, (Tasha, Kenya and Nakiayha), grand-daughters Ebony Thompson, (Lyana, Riannah, Deiondre) and Debbi Louis, son Kevin Reid, daughter Cindy Reid, sister Rose Owens-West, many cousins, and a host of friends.
Visitation for family and friends will be held Monday June 8, 2026; 10:00am to 4:30pm Rowell-Parish Mortuary Chapel 611 North 9th St., Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.
Celebration of life service will be Tuesday June 9, 2026; 11:00am Rowell-Parish Mortuary Chapel 611 North 9th St., Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.
Burial and final resting place: Oak Cemetery 1401 S. Greenwood Ave., Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.
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