Funeral services for Joshua Ray Caraway, age 36, of Cleveland, OK, formerly of Ruston, LA, will be held at 2:00 PM, Sunday, July 25, 2021 at Owens Memorial Chapel in Ruston, LA with Rev. Leroy Skipper and Chris Thomas officiating.  Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Ruston under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston.

Joshua is remembered for his love of the outdoors and all things natural from organic foods to the mossy Louisianan outdoors, including fishing, camping and hunting, and being part of nature.  He loved to tease friends and family alike, especially his uncles and cousins.  He loved to write and used his words to tell stories about real people with real problems, people who loved deeply and he sprinkled his stories with a touch of social commentary.  Joshua did not think much of the world he lived in. He hated the greed, egocentrism and intolerance too many toted like badges of honor.

Joshua could and would argue that the sky is purple with pink polka dots and by the end you would swear it too. He would not only debate on any subject but he would quote his sources, because he believed in being informed and therefore knew what he was talking about.  Joshua was a foodie and would try anything, especially if it was something unusual or as the rest of would say 'something ewwww'.  He loved skull caps, Halloween, his walking stick, all animals, fishing, hunting and big ol' campfires.  Joshua also loved music, all kinds of music but nothing you've probably ever heard of. Like the way he wrote, he appreciated the uniqueness and passion of lesser-known artists, disliked anything popular or well-known or as he would say "mainstream".

Joshua tried to live life to the fullest, even after beating cancer twice. He never slowed down. He was always a fighter, but also a lover. He cared for others deeply, family meant everything to him.  He loved with utter sincerity and authenticity and without judgment.  Joshua lived for today and not tomorrow.  The world has lost a true and genuine artist.  The world was a better place with him in it – a true loss for all.  Joshua was an exceptional human being and we should all strive to be more like him, Honest, Sincere, Bold, and Loving.  He was preceded in death by both maternal and paternal grandparents and two uncles.

Joshua­ Ray Caraway leaves behind his wife Theresa (Terry), three stepsons:  Patrick, William and Jason of Cleveland, Oklahoma; his parents, Kenneth Ray and Charolett Caraway of Ruston, Louisiana; his sister, Rachel LaRowe (Billy) of Ruston, Louisiana; nephews:  Skylar and William; his uncle, Johnny (Bev); his aunts:  Barbara Speights, Margie Thomas (Charles), Patricia Gilley, Susan Cardin (Steve), and Karen Chapman. and many cousins and friends are left to cherish his memory.  He also left behind his fur babies: Tic Tac, Abby, Mercy, Sky, Rimmy, Tess and Abe and all 13 of his cats.

Serving as pallbearers will be Patrick Saunders, Billy LaRowe, Kevin Cardin, Rodney Cardin, Gavin Thomas and Chris Thomas.  Honorary pallbearers are Johnny Caraway, Charles Thomas, Steve Cardin, and Brett Cardin who is currently serving overseas.

Visitation will be 5:00 - 8:00 PM, Saturday, July 24, 2021 at Owens Memorial Chapel.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Judes.  To leave an online memorial message for the family, please visit www.owensmemorialfuneralhome.com .