Edward Wayne Sowell

Edward Wayne Sowell, beloved husband, father, and granddaddy passed away peacefully on February 3rd, 2026, in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Wayne was born to Russell and Rena Richardson Sowell on May 11, 1940, in Valdosta, Georgia.

Wayne’s dad was the caretaker for the US Fish Hatcheries which meant they moved to where the hatcheries were located across the South. Wayne’s school days were spent in Lake Park,

GA, Carbon Hill, AL and finally in Cohutta, GA where he graduated from North Whitfield High in 1958. After his graduation the family again relocated to Mammoth Springs, AR where his fascination with trains became a reality.

Wayne began his railroad journey as an engineer after his apprenticeship in St. Louis on the Frisco Railroad, later known as the Burlington Northern Santa Fe. He ran the engines for 42 years, retiring in 2002. Then regardless of the hour or weather, Wayne answered the call to take the train from Thayer to Memphis. He was known for his heavy foot but smooth entry into the depot at Thayer. Wayne loved the power and beauty of the engines. He created a model railroad town where he spent hours getting details just right and his lighted train was a well-known Christmas display.

Wayne met the love of his life, Gail Dunlap Turner, in 1973 and in 1974 took his bride and her two children to make their family home in West Plains, Missouri. They resided until 2017 when they moved back to Jonesboro, Gail’s hometown. While working for the railroad and the on-call hours are erratic, Wayne took the role of caretaker and protector for his family, friends, and neighbors to heart. Wayne was the quiet, steady presence behind the scenes, always supporting his family without needing recognition. School ball games, bad weather, family needs and Wayne would be supporting, sometimes loudly, from the sidelines. When it came to the fun and amusement categories, Wayne was just like one of the kids or Grandkids. Silver Dollar City, White Water, the local fair or circus, a giant Ferris wheel, or sledding in the neighborhood were a “let’s go” adventure.

Wayne was a member of the Southwest Church of Christ in Jonesboro and was active until his health began to decline a few years ago. He and Gail became virtual church goers after Covid and continued regularly until his death.

Preceding Wayne in death are his parents, Russell and Rena Sowell, brother, Harold Sowell, In- laws, Pete and Georgia Dunlap and sister- in- law Sharon Porter (Wallace).

Wayne is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, son Jim Turner, Los Angeles, daughters, Leigh Ann Turner Morrison, West Plains, MO. Margi Greene, St. Charles, MO, Vickie Bohnenkamp, Austin, TX, Shawnie Lowther (Tracy), Mammoth Springs, AR, Grandchildren, Trista Harris (Tyler) and Granddog Winston, Cassondra Morrison, Cole Morrison, Ben Cook, Andrew Cook, Bexar Bohnenkemp, Talon Lawrence, Logan Lowther, nephew John Porter, Jonesboro, and a host of friends, relatives and many railroad buddies.

For lasting memorials please consider Southwest Church, 1601 James Street, Jonesboro, Arkansas, 72401; or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105.