Mr. George Edward Bowden, 93, of Chincoteague Island, passed away peacefully at his home on Nov. 20, 2025. He was born on Nov. 5, 1932, on the island he loved, and he spent the entirety of his life there. He was the son of the late Earl Daniel and Gladys Hancock Bowden.
George began working at a very young age and was employed by various local businesses during those early years. He grew to become a skilled carpenter and craftsman who enjoyed designing and building Chincoteague scows. George eventually secured a position with the Wallops Flight Facility Damage Control Unit. He soon transitioned to a position with the Wallops Flight Facilities Maintenance Department, where he remained until his retirement.
George was a faithful member of Union Baptist Church and Anglers Sunday School Class. He found great joy in singing and was a member of the Chancel Choir, Baptist Men’s Choir, and Baptist Men’s Nursing Home Ministry Team. George was also a lifetime member of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company.
George is survived by his son, George Daniel Bowden; his daughters, Cathy Manning, Bobbie Wilson and her husband, Tom, and Kim Hill and her husband, John; his six wonderful grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Ada Carr and her husband, Jim, and his very dear friend, Terry Savage.
In addition to his parents, George was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Barbara Boothe Bowden; his sister, Oneida Bowden Bradford; his brother, Earl Daniel Bowden; and his son-in-law, Ray Manning Jr.
George was a joy to all who knew him and a precious blessing to his family.
A funeral was held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 24, at Union Baptist Church, Chincoteague Island. There was a visitation one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Union Baptist Church Meal Ministry, 6365 Church St., Chincoteague, VA 23336, or the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 691, Chincoteague, VA 23336.
Services were entrusted to Salyer Funeral Home, Inc., on Chincoteague Island. Condolences may be made online at www.salyerfh.com
