Willie Eanell Bowen departed this life on April 9, 2024 at the Hickory Hill Retirement Community, Memory Care Unit, in Burkeville, VA.

He was born on March 12, 1937 to the late Freddie Henderson Bowen and Edith V. Smith Bowen. He was preceded in death by two Brothers; Freddie “Leroy” Bowen and Wilbert McRay “Mitch” Bowen.

He attended school in Prince Edward County and the American School.

He accepted Christ at an early age, was baptized and joined the Monroe Baptist Church of Rice, VA.

He was Ordained as Deacon at Monroe Baptist Church on September 12, 2010.

Deacon Bowen was a faithful member, having served as a member of the Senior choir, a trustee and church Treasurer.

During his time away from Monroe he became a watch-care member of Salem Baptist Church, Jersey, Virginia. While there he became a member of the Senior Choir, the Men's Chorus and the Trustee Ministry.

He met and married Ruby Mildred HIcks of Rice, VA. To this union a daughter was born, Vickie Annette Bowen. He loved and cherished his family and would do anything for them.

He was a hard worker and started early in life cutting and hauling wood and raising tobacco with his father.

He later worked at Davis Pontiac and Harris-Cook Motor Company in the body shop.

In 1968, he began his career with the Virginia State Parks as a park Ranger at Prince Edward State Park. Through his hard work and dedication, in 1973 he was promoted to Superintendent of Holliday Lake State Park, Appomattox VA. In 1985 he was promoted to Senior Park Manager at Westmoreland State Park in Montross, VA.

He would later become the system's first African American District Manager. He was instrumental in helping to integrate Virginia State Parks. Prince Edward State Park would later be renamed Twin Lakes State Park.

He retired with 32 years of service from the Virginia Division of Parks and Recreation on October 1, 1999.

After retirement, his love for cars and people led him to Davis Pontiac GMC in Farmville, VA and later to the Trading Post Used Cars as Salesman.

He was a member of the Northern Neck Lodge #32 Fraternal Order of Police in Colonial Beach Virginia from December 1994 - December 1997. During his membership, he served as President and Chaplin.

He was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church Men's Choir, Burkeville, VA.

He was a member of the Westmoreland County Tourism Council and served as Vice Chairman.

He was a past member of the Farmville Jaycees and the Prince Edward County Elks Lodge No. 269.

Willie campaigned for the Dollar General Store that’s located in Rice, VA. He secured signatures and appeared before the Prince Edward County Board of Supervisors in support of the store.

Willie enjoyed fishing, gardening, yard work and fast cars. Along with his yard, he kept portions of Fairlea Road and Miller’s Lake Road free of litter and kept the grass cut weekly for as long as he was able.

He leaves to cherish his memories; his devoted wife of 63 years, Ruby Mildred Hicks Bowen of Rice, VA, a daughter, Vickie Annette Bowen Taylor of Midlothian, VA; two grandchildren, Tamonica LeShae Taylor (Fiance - Brandon) and Floyd E. Taylor, Jr. Three great-grand sons; Senir Kennedy Taylor, Bostyn Alexander Mumphry and Kaison Taylor-George; six sister in laws; Mae Alice Bowen, Martha Elizabeth Mahan, Barbara Jean Spring (Joe), Alfreda HIcks, Rachel J. Hicks, Emma HIcks; 2 brother in laws; Robert Lewis HIcks (Cheryl) and Kenneth Wayne HIcks (Georgia); A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

**In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer’s Association and Prince Edward Rescue Squad.