Louis Villery

Louis Villery Jr, Dies at 84, Legendary Bassist/Songwriter and Founder of the 1970s musical group “The African Music Machine”.

Louis “Douaam” Villery Jr., 84, passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2025 in Carlisle, Arkansas. He was born on December 25, 1940 to the late Louis and Ella Cormier Villery in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Louis, alias Rasheed, was an accomplished bassist/songwriter musician as well as the founder of a 1970’s Louisiana funk group called the “African Music Machine”, A gift given to him from Almighty God, he would say, was blessed to have played and performed with legendary musical artists such as B.B. King and Bobby Blue Bland. Although Louis has an impressive and extensive list of music credits, he always remained humble and true to his Creole heritage.

Louis is survived by nine children, Mahlon Stewart, Sharon Villery-Lewis, Carla Villere-Jenkins, Rhonda Stewart, Pamelia Villery Hoof [Ronnie], Mahsa Villery, Sierra Stevenson-Moody, Jamal Harris and Adrian King, many grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Ella Cormier Villery, brothers, John Edward Villery and Joseph Henry Villery and the love of his life, his wife, Doris Virginia Binford-Villery.

Louis’s funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 27th @ 1:00 pm at Boyd Funeral Home Chapel, 207 E 2nd Street, Lonoke, AR. Repast will be held Immediately after the funeral service at the Lonoke Community Center, Multipurpose Conference Room, 1355 Front St SW, Lonoke AR 72086.