Alvin Gilmer Bowden

Al Bowden

Alvin Gilmer Bowden, 92, went to his forever home in Heaven on January 14, 2022. He was a beloved husband of 50 years to Carolyn Featherston Bowden and a faithful father and friend to many. 

He was born on May 20, 1929, in Egeria, West Virginia, to Pat and Mahalia Richmond Bowden.  He was the seventh of twelve children, and deeply committed to his family heritage.

He was honored to have served his country for 22 years, first in the Army Air Corp and later in the US Air Force. He had been stationed in many parts of the world and was so proud that a kid from WV was able to explore the world and actively defend with dignity the democracy he believed in.

After retirement from his military service, Al opened a commercial cleaning service in Rudyard, Michigan, and another also in Sumter, SC. He was a key part in the growth for AudioVision in Sumter and was also a Sales representative for John Hancock and Metropolitan Life insurance companies for many years. He later helped open Sumter Discovery Learning Academy and was principal and friend to many of their students.

But more importantly, Al had a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. His deep abiding faith and fellowship with God was his source of love and compassion to all those he encountered, particularly the lost and the hurting. He was a foster parent to many and a prayer warrior for all. 

Al is survived by his beloved wife of over fifty years, Carolyn Bowden.  He is also survived by his children:  Deborah Brood, Janet Becker, Alan Bowden, Sheri Furman, Randy Bowden, Jonathan Bowden, Diana Barden, Gabriel Bowden and Hannah Bowden along with their valued spouses. He has one brother, Carlos Bowden. He is survived by 16 grandchildren who gave him immense joy: Arthur, Jonathan, Rachel, Leonard, Trevor, Tracy, Amber, Jessica, Valerie, Jacob, Maya, Tadd, Elsa, Raelynn, Oakley and GiAnna. 21 Great Grandchildren Rebecca, Hannah, Silas, Amos, Marcayle, Karis, Esther, Alethea, Adam, Ellie, Emma, Lydia, Brett, Bryce, Brady, Bryan, Lyla, Seth, Eli, Zion, and Ja’Shawn. Honorary foster children, Michael, Scott, Robbie, Ashleigh, Jessica, Devon, India, and Kya, who he thought of as his very own.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Dorla Dean Cross Bowden, 11 siblings, Sheri Jo Brood (granddaughter), and Trevor Becker (grandson).

Al’s family would like to thank the nurses at Prisma Tuomey Hospital for their tender care and respect of such a beloved man.

A private family service will be Monday, January 24, 2022 at 2:00 pm at Fort Jackson National Cemetery for the burial of his ashes.  A memorial praise service opened to all will be at Shaw Heights Baptist Church on Saturday January 29, 2022 at 2:00 pm, where Al was a member for many years. Rev. Robert White and Rev. Steve Miller will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers to the family, we request that memorials be made to Shaw Heights Baptist Church, Springbank Baptist Church or to a charity of your choice in his name.

You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family’s guest book.

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home for the arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alvin Gilmer Bowden, please visit our floral store.