Ronald Joe Cowling

July 7, 1940 January 7, 2023 Ronald Joe Cowling, age 82, of Stamps, AR, passed away on January 7, 2023 at a local hospital after a sudden illness. Joe was born on July 7, 1940 in Nashville, AR to parents Wesley and Doris Cowling. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Gary Cowling. Joe graduated with an education degree from Southern Arkansas University, and a master’s in mathematics from the University of Arkansas. Joe excelled as a college football running back for 4 years. After college, Joe began his coaching career in the Arkansas High School system for 2 years. He then became the head football coach in Stamps, AR for several years, teaching mathematics and raising his family. Joe loved coaching and loved his players even more. Stamps High School enjoyed great success under his leadership for many years, winning multiple state high school championships in both football and track. Joe loved his church, family, friends and community. Joe also loved serving his community as a volunteer fireman, and as mayor for 12 years. He was a deacon at First Baptist Church in Stamps and loved beginning every day of his life reading his Bible. He enjoyed many hobbies in life including hunting, fishing, camping with his family, gardening, and spending time with his grandchildren. After several years of coaching, Joe began working as the H. R. Director for the Alan White Furniture Company, where he worked for 24 years before retiring. In retirement, Joe said his most fulfilling job in life was tutoring math to underprivileged teens at South Arkansas Youth Services. Joe is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Ann Cowling of Stamps, AR, two sons, Doug Cowling of Texarkana, AR, and Lance Cowling and wife Amy of Atlanta, TX, one brother Bob Cowling and wife Rebecca of Arkadelphia, AR, one granddaughter Kelsey Martin and husband Tanner of Atlanta, TX, one grandson Jacob Cowling of Atlanta, TX, one great-grandson Jett Martin of Atlanta, TX, special cousins Theresa Cowling of Texarkana AR, Wesley Cowling of Texarkana, AR, Morgan Cowling of Texarkana, AR, Chuck Cowling of Texarkana, AR, and a host of other relatives and friends who he loved dearly. His sudden loss is devastating to his family, it simply cannot be measured. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 14, 2023, at 1:00 pm, at First Baptist Church in Stamps AR, with Brother Mike Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Lakeside Cemetery in Stamps, AR under the direction of Texarkana Funeral Home, Arkansas. The family will receive friends for visitation Friday, January 13, 2023, at First Baptist Church in Stamps, AR, from 5:00 until 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105. Register online at www.texarkanafuneralhome.com.