Mr. Donald Ray “Don” Bowden, 70, beloved husband of Betty Howard Bowden and a lifelong resident of Tangier Island, passed away Monday, Oct. 15, 2018, at his home.
Born Nov. 2, 1947, on Tangier Island, he was a son of the late George Edward Bowden and Coreen Crockett Bowden. Mr. Bowden had a passion for all things outdoors that surpassed his assumed birthright as a Tangier waterman. When he wasn’t working on the water, Mr. Bowden spent much of his time duck hunting, carving decoys, watching and studying his favorite bird, the purple martin, building bird houses, or gardening. On April 9, 2015, Mr. Bowden humbly accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior during a revival service at New Testament Church. He was proud to be a God-fearing man.
In addition to his devoted wife of 50 years, he is survived by his three children, Diana Johnson and husband, Carl, of Greenfield, N.H., Marilyn Pruitt and husband, Jeff, and Don Bowden and wife, Jennifer, all of Tangier; two sisters, Allene Gordy and Jeanette Crockett and husband, Allen, all of Tangier; five grandchildren, Corinne and Jill Pruitt, Abigail and Elijah Johnson, and Piper Bowden; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Other than his parents, Mr. Bowden was predeceased by two sisters, Gladys Dise and Joyce Pruitt; and his brother, Johnny Bowden.
A visitation will be held at the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home on Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., immediately followed by the funeral service. Interment will take place in the Crockett Family Cemetery on Monday, Oct. 22, 2018 at 2 p.m. Mr. Bowden’s nephew, Elder Duane Crockett, will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the New Testament Church Mission Fund, c/o Danny McCready, P.O. Box 3, Tangier, VA 23440.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements were made by the Williams Funeral Homes, Onancock and Parksley