Thomas Edward Bowen

Sumter, SC …. Pastor Thomas Edward “Ed” Bowen, 91, passed away on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at Prisma Health Hospital.  

Thomas Edward Bowen was born in Columbia, SC on August 2, 1933. He grew up in the small town of Turbeville, SC. He graduated from East Clarendon High School. Edward accepted Christ as his personal Savior at the age of 22. In 1952, he attended Wofford College where he met and married Margaret Stewart Bowen on January 29, 1956. They were each other’s sweethearts for 68 years. 

He surrendered to full time ministry a few years after they married and became the pastor of Cherryvale Baptist Church in October 1967, a title he held until his passing. Pastor Bowen strived for a church that welcomed everyone, despite race, culture, or background. To this day Cherryvale is regarded as “The Church Where Everyone Is Welcome”. 

Thomas Edward Bowen had many names. He was a Pastor, husband, father, Grandaddy, Poppi, and so much more to countless people. He loved sports, especially the Boston Red Sox. He was an avid baseball card collector. If Pastor Bowen wasn’t standing behind the podium delivering his sermons, he could often be found typing up one of his famous “Heart to Heart” messages or listening to his favorite hymns. One of his favorite times was Sunday after church when family and friends came over for lunch. If there was one thing, he loved more than his family and sports it was his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord for the legacy he leaves behind and the eternity he goes on to live!

Edward is survived by his loving wife Margaret and five children, Michael Bowen (Stephanie, Gayle), Stephen Bowen (Loni), Daniel Bowen (Rhonda), Judy Bowen, and Vicki Keefer (Coy). His grandchildren Joshua (Robyn), Shannon (Stevie), Adam, Crystal (Dwayne), Justin (Allison), Joseph (Destiny), Meghan (Richard), Brandon, Wade, Benjamin (Frances), Shane, Hannah (Joshua), and Nicholas; 25 great grandchildren, his sister Joyce Nunnery of Fayetteville, NC, several nieces and nephews, and many special family and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Tom Henry Bowen, Vida Mae Jumper, his granddaughter Sarah Bowen, and grandson William “Billy” Vipperman (Krystel). 

The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 12:00 – 2:00 pm at Cherryvale Baptist Church.

A funeral service will follow the visitation on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 2:00 pm at Cherryvale Baptist Church.  The burial will immediately follow the service at Sumter Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons.

Honorary Pallbearers will be his great grandsons.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Cherryvale Baptist Church for the care of Margaret Bowen at 1502 Cherryvale Dr. Sumter, SC 29154. 

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

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home for the arrangements.

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