William Henry Bowen was born October 27, 1931 to Arthur and Annie Morton Bowen in Prince Edward County, Virginia. He quietly transitioned into eternity on November 1, 2025 from Centra Specialty Hospital (Virginia Baptist Hospital) in Lynchburg, VA.

William joined High Rock Baptist Church at an early age. He received his education from Prince Edward age and later joined the United States Army. He honorably served during the Korean War. After returning from the service, he was later employed by Tyson Farms in Crewe, VA, retiring after thirty years.

Always a sharp dresser, he met, married, was the loving husband to Jerlean Jackson Bowen for sixty years prior to her death in 2019. He loved to cook with some of his favorite foods including fried potatoes, sausage and neopolitan ice cream (strawberry, chocolate, & vanilla). He also loved fishing, and in his younger days, riding on his Harley Davidson motorcycle with wife, Jerlean, on the back. He loved operating heavy equipment and used it to clear and build his own trailer park, Bowen Court. This was the beginning his next financial venture of owning and operating various rental properties, which he did until his demise.

William was predeceased by: his parents, wife, and a son, Melvin Bowen, Sr. He leaves to cherish his memories: three sons, William ”Sugar Ray” Bowen, jr., Calvin Bowen and Alvin Bowen; four grandchildren, Melvin, Jr., Calvette, Bridgette, and Tiffany: one brother, Robert Bowen; daughters-in-law, Sylvia and Jacqueline; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.