of Little Rock, AR
October 26, 1957 - March 5, 2023
Ricky Carroll McCowen, 65, of Little Rock, peacefully entered his heavenly home on March 5, 2023. He was born October 26, 1957 in Pine Bluff to Derrell and Maxine McCowen. He became a partner in the family business, McCowen's Top Soil and worked in excavation. He said, "if you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life". His earlier hobbies included racing at the I-30 Speedway and Beebe Speedway. He ran in the bomber class, hobby class and C-class. He was tough to beat every Saturday night. People would come to the track from around Arkansas to race against him. He was also an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting deer, squirrels and catching fish. He truly loved spending time at the Pit, which became his personal sanctuary. The background picture of this program was taken at the Pit and is one of the many lakes that he has built in his line of work. He spent many hours at the Pit with his life-long friends swapping life stories and watching beautiful sunrises and sunsets over the lake. He always had a grin on his face and a story to tell.
Ricky enjoyed sharing his wisdom with others about his various expertise, whether it be with outdoors activities, fixing and running equipment or coaching his daughter's softball team. There was no machine that he could not fix, or tell others how to fix. It made his heart happy seeing his girls learn to fish and hunt at the Pit and even better watching his grandkids! He enjoyed watching them giggle with excitement while fishing and slipping in the mud. Teaching each of them how to cast a line and reel in a big one!
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Randy McCowen. Ricky is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Lori; three daughters, Courtney Shepherd (Andrew); Kelsey D'Abadie (Austin); Kaleigh McCowen and her fiance (Cameron Rodgers); along with four grandchildren, Charles and Scarlett Shepherd and twins, Bennett and Blakely D'Abadie.
Visitation will be held Saturday, March 11, 2023 in the Chapel of Roller Chenal Funeral Home at 1pm followed by a Celebration of Life at 2pm.
Hope the fish are biting where you are. We miss you already.
he came to mind that day ,Ricky was a good man .
I am so sad to read this. I hope you and the rest of the family are doing ok. No words that I can say will comfort you, know that I am praying for your peace/
Our Sympathy and Prayers to the family
Prayers from James and Vivian Mcghee's kids and Grandchildren
Dear Lori,
So sorry to hear about Ricky. My thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family .
Love,
Dee
Prayers to his many friends and family during this difficult time.
Dear Lori, girls & family! My heart & prayers are with you! I'm so sorry for the loss of your husband, father, grand father & friend! He sounds like a loving & fun man! Keeping you in my prayers & may you feel the peace of God!
Xoxo
Sheryl, Stan & Kerianne New
I met Ricky 50 years ago and we never argued or had cross words might not have saw eye to eye but we always got along. During our times togther we raced cars, he showed me how to hunt and fish and we had a great friendship. I sure will miss Ricky but I know he's in heaven now with his family and friends that have passed.
Lori my heart goes out to you, and prayers are lifted for you and all the family!!! Wish I could be there to hug you and just be near you during this time. I love you'-
I grew up in the neighborhood, Mr. McCowen and my Dad were good friends. Everyone knew Randy and Ricky. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. It's so sad to know that another one of the Barrow Road kids are gone. RIP my friend.
Lori, just wanted to share a prayer with you.
God is in every tomorrow
Therefore, I live for today
Certain of finding at sunrise
Hope and strength for the way
Hope for each moment of weakness
Strength for each moment of pain
Knowing that on the morrow
Sunshine follows the rain.
I know not by what methods rare.
But this I know
God answers prayer.
I know not if the blessings I sought.
Will come in just the guise I thought.
So I must pray and wait,
Trusting in a will that is wiser than my own.
This was my father's favorite.
I will miss seeing Ricky's car passing by our house on his way to and from the pit. Each spring the first flowers to bloom in our yard came from his pit. So generous to let me dig up and replant. I love you Lori, Courtney Kelsey and Keliegh. Treasure your sweet memories.
My heartfelt condolences for the loss of Ricky. May you find comfort in remembering the special moments that brightened your days throughout the years. I hope you allow all the memories you shared to shine in remembrance for years to come. You all are in my thoughts and prayers
Prayers for Lori and his family, I'm very sorry for your loss. May you find comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Lori, you and the girls know we love you and are so sad we can't be there with you all during this difficult time. Tommy and I loved Ricky and hate he is gone, but know he's walking without a cane, in no pain, and reunited with those gone before him.
Ricky Carroll, man I remember Maxine if she threw in that middle name we were both probably in trouble, had so many fond memories this week of Ricky as well as Maxine and family, I lived with Ricky and family for my senior year of high school, as did several of us boys. Ricky was like a brother to me and for a period we were inseparable, that smile and a heart as big as he was I know I was blessed to have him in my life and I know the family is missing him terribly and I pray the lord will comfort them in this time. Oh the memories brother and I know in my heart I will see you again, we are headed to the same place You just beat me there! You never did like finishing second in anything! Love ya, save some fish for me!!!!
Gone but never forgotten.
Thank you Ricky, for everything. I'll never forget you my friend
Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear''
Last of the good ones miss you Ole friend
Rest in love, please make sure Hug Ms Maxine and Mr Derrell for me and my family
We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family.
Ricky was a great friend I grew up with, we was always into something most good some ummm not to bad. Ricky was a man's man and would do anything for you. Most of all he was a good man a great husband to Lori and loved his family. I am so sorry for this loss of such a amazing man that I always looked up to. God speed my brother. Till we meet again.
I was so very sad to hear about Ricky. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
God Bless all of you.
My deepest condolences to family. Sending hugs and prayers, may you find comfort in your cherished memories. Rest in peace Ricky, you'll never be forgotten good friend.
Bill and I are so sorry Lori. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
We are so sorry for your loss. We will always have wonderful memories of racing with Ricky. May God comfort your family. You are in our prayers.
I'm going to Miss you and miss calling you when I need some one to talk to. I know you are my cousin but you seem like a brother to me more than anything.
Love you and we are going miss you a lot.
We had a lot of good times together. Rest in peace my friend.
You will be forever in my heart. We love and miss you dearly! Keeping family and friends in our prayers for time of grieving.
So sorry to hear this. I haven't seen him in a long time. My condolences to his wife and children. Gail Reeve ( cousin)
A very good man. Last of the breed.
What a wonderful man.....a legend! We love Ricky and his family and deeply feel the sorrow of this great loss. May God give comfort during this time.
Rest in peace Ricky
I am so sorry Lori. You are in my thoughts and prayers.❤️