W. Ray Jouett

It is with sadness yet rejoicing of what lies before him that we announce the passing of W. RAY JOETT, M.D. on October 19, 2018 at the age of 90 years in his town of residence, Little Rock, Arkansas. Dr. Jouett was born on July 19, 1928 in Livingston, Tennessee, "The True Hills of Tennessee" to William Chilton Jouett and Nora Taylor Jouett. He was the eldest child with two brothers, Noel and Frank. He attended a small country school in the Dale Hollow community. Upon completion he enrolled and attended Tennessee Tech in Cookeville, Tennessee graduating with a degree in Biology. During his formative years, Dr. Jouett was inspired by his grandfather, a physician, to pursue a medial occupation. He attended the University of Tennessee Medical School, graduating in 1955 with his M.D. degree. Dr. Jouett began his medical career with an internship at City Memorial Hospital in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He continued at City Memorial for his residency in General Surgery. In 1958, Dr. Jouett enlisted in the Army serving 2 years as a Captain, Chief of Surgical Services. After spending a brief period practicing medicine in Middle Tennessee, he was accepted into the Neurosurgery program at Vanderbilt University where he completed his residency. While at Vanderbilt, he met, fell in love, and in September of 1962, married his "sweetheart", Sara Tucker. In October of 1963, his first daughter, Rebecca was born. After completing his Neurosurgery Residency at Vanderbilt, he began his private practice career in Little Rock, Arkansas joining the neurosurgical practice of Watson and Adametz, which evolved into the premier neurosurgeon firm of Neurological Surgery Associates of Little Rock. As a Neurosurgeon, Dr. Jouett cared for thousands of patients over the next 30 years. His second daughter, Susan, was born in July of 1967. Subsequent to his retirement from active neurosurgery practice with Neurological Surgery Associates, Dr. Jouett transitioned his career to the corporate side as the Medical Director of Tyson Foods for the next 20 years. Dr. Jouett was a member of numerous organizations/associations and acquired several certifications over the course of his career: American Board of Neurological Surgery; Fellowship of American College of Surgeons; Visiting Professor of Neurological Society; Professional Services Review Organization; Arkansas Medical Society; Pulaski County Delegate; Council Member of American Medical Society; Arkansas Neurosurgeons; Arkansas Chapter of American College of Surgeons; Pulaski County Medical Society; American Medical Association; American College of Surgeons; Meacham Neurosurgical Society; Neurological Society of America; Joint Section of Cerebrovascular Surgery of American Association of Neurological Surgeons; and World Federation of Neurological Surgery Delegate. Dr. Jouett served on the Arkansas State Medical Board for 24 years beginning his tenure with appointment by former Governor Frank White, re-appointed by former Governor and President Bill Clinton, and re-appointed by former Governor Mike Huckabee. During his tenure he served as vice chairman for 4 years and chairman for 20 years. Dr. Jouett also served as President of the Pulaski County Medical Society, Arkansas Medical Society, Meacham Neurosurgical Society, and Neurological Society of America. Dr. Jouett was not completely focused on his medical practice but enjoyed several hobbies including reading, playing the piano, with a continual thirst for knowledge. He also developed a passion for boating where he developed lifelong friends and incredible memories, even serving as the Commodore of the Little Rock Yacht Club. Dr. Jouett was a devout Christian. He thoroughly enjoyed studying the Bible seeking God for insight, understanding and wisdom in all aspects of his life. He ensured his family understood and recognized his belief spending countless hours with them discussing God's Word and its importance as the cornerstone of all aspects of our life. Dr. Jouett enjoyed teaching Sunday School classes and working actively in the Church of Christ congregations he attended throughout his 50 plus years in Little Rock. He served as a Deacon for the Sixth and Izzard Church of Christ as well as an Elder at the Chenal Valley Church of Christ. For the last several years he and Sara were members of the Windsong Church of Christ where he continued his focus on serving and teaching. He exemplified his Christian values and beliefs in every aspect of his actions and words. He truly was a Christian man focused on serving and loving his family, his community and his fellow man. Matthew 22:37-39. Dr. Jouett is survived by his wife of 56 years Sara Tucker Jouett, his daughter Rebecca J. Koonce and her husband K. Max Koonce of Bentonville, Arkansas, his daughter Susan J. Koller of Little Rock, Arkansas, his grandchildren Jonathan Ray Koonce of Bentonville, Arkansas, Caroline Nicole Koonce of Bentonville, Arkansas, Payton Grace Koller of Little Rock, Arkansas, and William Grayson Koller of Little Rock, Arkansas, several cousins, nieces, nephews and other relatives, as well as numerous close friends and associates. Dr. Jouett was preceded in death by his parents William Chilton and Nora Taylor Jouett, his brother Noel Jouett, and his brother Frank Jouett. Visitation with the family will be held from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on October 22, 2018 at Windsong Church of Christ, 3 Windsong Drive, North Little Rock, Arkansas. A celebration of Dr. Jouett's life will be held on October 23, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. also at the Windsong Church of Christ. The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Kelli Schlesinger, Dr. Scott Schlesinger, and the special nurses and staff at Arkansas Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Dr. Jouett may be made to the Arkansas Alzheimer's Foundation and Arkansas Hospice Ottenheimer Inpatient Center. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.