Louise Frances Koury Alley

Louise Frances Koury Alley

Louise Frances Koury Alley died October 9, 2015. She was born March 2, 1927 in Rochester, New York to Isabelle Margaret Joseph Koury and George A. Koury, Sr. both of whom preceded her in death.

Louise moved to Shreveport at three years of age and with the exception of her husband's military assignments lived here her entire life. Educated by The Daughters of the Cross at St. Mary's and St. Vincent's Academy she held dear her relationship with those academic institutions and was a devout Catholic. Louise was a graduate of the St. Vincent's Academy Class of 1944. During her time there she participated in numerous organizations including the Sodality and the Drum and Bugle Corps among others. Louise went to work for Chicago and Southern Airlines which was later acquired by Delta Airlines where she worked in capacities ranging from ticket agent, in flight stewardess, air to ground communications with incoming aircraft and once even participated in a crash investigation for an accident that occurred in east Texas. When she entered the airline industry it was at Shreveport's Downtown airport just prior to the commencement of operations at the then new Shreveport Regional Airport when it opened in 1952.

Louise married 1st Lt. Bennie Ray Alley, USAF on July 15th, 1955 in Brownsville, Texas while he was attending navigator training at Harlingen Air Force Base in Texas.

To this union was born two children Raymond Stewart Alley and Suzanne Camille Alley. The family was stationed at Walker Air Force Base in Roswell New Mexico where Louise was a member of the Officer's Wives Club and the USAF Gray Ladies volunteer organization and had her first exposure to on-air broadcasting on a small station in Roswell voicing public service announcements about OWC activities on the base.

Upon returning to Shreveport in 1965, Louise began what would become a very distinguished radio career initially as a copy writer for the iconic KWKH Radio station which was then also known as the Friendly Giant boasting 50,000 watts of power. Unexpectedly one day she was asked to step in and with no script or preparation of any sort broadcast a thirty minute live radio show in place of another broadcaster. That thirty minute show ultimately grew to over a four hour daily talk show that covered a myriad of topics. Louise interviewed countless celebrities, political figures and everyday people both on the national stage and in Shreveport-Bossier the hometown community that she dearly loved. That career spanned over six decades in the broadcast and advertising business leaving radio only after her health began to fail in 2012. In addition to KWKH, Louise was also affiliated with KBCL, KEEL, and KOKA. Louise was proud to work with some of the innovators and giants in the radio and television industry such as Frank Page, Chuck Fellers, Norm Bale, Larry King, Henry Clay, Jack Timmons, Buddy Flowers, Jim Mitchell, Nat Stuckey, Jim Hawthorne, Larry Ryan, Carl Staples, and Don Zimmerman. Most recently she was affiliated with the stations owned by Cary Camp whom she regarded as a son. She was adored by her listeners and advertisers and truly put her heart into everything she did. In 1978, Louise established Louise Alley Advertising which she owned and operated until 2012. Louise was a sought after judge for beauty pageants and judged numerous Miss Louisiana Universe pageants. Louise was known for ending every broadcast with the Irish Blessing and her signature sign off of "Good day, John…wherever you are." This was a nod to an Irish priest who was a longtime family friend.

Upon Ben's return from Vietnam in 1967, there was an opportunity to take an assignment in Australia…Louise's only comment was she planned to live where U.S Highway 80 crossed the Red River and where there was Selber Bros., Goldring's and The Fashion. Needless to say, the family did not ever see Australia.

Louise leaves a lasting and loving legacy among family and friends. She was a wonderful and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Home and family were her priorities above all else.

Louise is survived by her husband, Major USAF, ret, Bennie R. Alley, children Camille and husband Dr. Jeff Weeks, Raymond and wife Ellen Paylor Alley. Brother and Sister-in-law George and Thama Koury of Bend, Oregon. Grandchildren: Emily Alley, Caroline Ourso; Sarah Lowder, and Katie Weeks. Great children: John Ourso, Mary Ellen, Molly, and Charlie Lowder.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

May the Road Rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.