Kenneth Randolph Bowman, Sr.
March 24, 1935 ~ October 26, 2022
Born in:
Greeneville, TN
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Kenneth Randolph Bowman, Sr., 87 passed away October 26, 2022, after a long debilitating illness. The oldest son of the late Claude Bowman and Della Landers Bowman, he was born and raised in his beloved Greeneville, Tennessee. Ken, known to his Tennessee family as “Duke”, left home right out of high school, recruited by the FBI to work in Washington, DC. He soon met a beautiful young lady from Williamson, WV, Arta Felix, also recruited by the FBI to begin their young careers. Loved blossomed, they soon married, and had two children. Ken was so proud to be a part of the FBI, but he wanted a more stable homelife for his young family and accepted a wonderful opportunity working with Southern Railway. He was soon transferred to Greensboro, NC, then Asheville, NC and finished an illustrious career in Charlotte that spanned 34 years of committed service and loyalty. He formed lifelong friendships with many coworkers and customers across the country, and it was a perfect match for a man who loved people so very much.
Ken guided our family through its hardest times when Arta was stricken early in life with Multiple Sclerosis. He was the family’s rock, being both Mom and Dad to two young kids, the family’s sole provider, and Mom’s full-time caregiver until she passed. Ken found love a second time with Geneva (Jan) and spent 28 years nurturing a blended family with her until he was widowed a second time.
Sports was a huge part of our family, laying a foundation of hard work ethics and commitment, but laced with humor and fun. Ken was an outstanding athlete, playing baseball, football, and basketball throughout high school. He was a lifelong fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Washington Redskins, and every sports team at the University of Tennessee. His passion for sports extended throughout his life, and carried through to his own kids and now two more generations. He coached countless youth in East Asheville sports, including his own son, and coached the Beverly Hills Baptist Church softball team to its first championship. He actively played into his fifties, then faithfully supported his kids’ and grandkids’ teams as their biggest cheerleader. He was the Dad who played with us past dark. He was the Dad who spent treasured time with his kids and taught life lessons through sports. He was the Dad who broke the chains of an absent father, determined to be different for his own kids.
Most of all, Ken loved the Lord and showed that in his daily life. When he was healthy, he served in multiple capacities at Beverly Hills Baptist Church as Deacon and Chair, Sunday School Teacher, Choir and weekly visitation and witnessing. In all he did, he lived his Faith. He always had a smile, and even a glint of mischief. He always saw the positive side of any situation, and shed light in all he did. In spite of significant trials as a young husband and father, and later, a long debilitating illness, his good nature and kindness radiated through those tough times. He will be missed terribly, but we are rejoicing with him as he is now Home at last with his Heavenly Father.
He is survived by his children, Kenneth R. (Randy) Bowman, Jr. (Terri) of Asheville, and Dr. Barbara Bowman-Hensley (Michael) of Black Mountain; grandchildren, Ryan (Miranda) and Joshua; great grandchildren Emily Bowman, Amelia Bowman, Olivia Bowman, Kylie Hensley and Thea Hensley. He is survived by a brother, John Bowman (Amy) of Greeneville, Tennessee and several beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Claude Bowman and Della Landers Bowman, and two sisters Savannah Higgins and Mary Calkin.
A celebration of life in honor of Ken’s legacy will be held at 2PM on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at Beverly Hills Baptist Church with Dr. Buddy Corbin officiating. His family will greet friends at the church at 1PM until the service begins at 2PM. His cremains will be shared and interred with both Arta and Jan, at Green Hills and Sky View Cemeteries respectively.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Beverly Hills Baptist Church or Four Seasons Hospice of Hendersonville.
Services
Visitation: October 29, 2022 1:00 pm
Beverly Hills Baptist Church
777 Tunnel Rd.
Asheville, NC 28805
(828)298-4623
Celebration of Life: October 29, 2022 2:00 pm
Beverly Hills Baptist Church
777 Tunnel Rd.
Asheville, NC 28805
(828)298-4623
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road
856 Tunnel Rd.
Asheville, NC 28805
(828)299-4416
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
Randy, I am sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. You and your family will be in our prayers. I worked with you for several year and judging from the type person you are your dad had to be a great person. You always spoke highly of him and You took care of him in his declining years. Take comfort in knowing that he is now in a much better place and waiting to welcome you when you arrive. God bless you and comfort you in these difficult time my friend!
We are so sorry to hear of Ken’s passing.
I worked with Ken for many years in Charlotte. He knew I was from Asheville also so we always talked about our common acquaintances. He was always upbeat and friendly, happy to talk with everyone and helpful if there was a problem with a shipment or if you just needed to check a shipping rate. He always made a point of speaking to everyone whenever he was in the Agency and Yard Office. One of the good guys.
Randy … so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. He is with his Lord and Savior now. Prayers for the family.
Dear Randy, Barbara and family,
We are so sorry for your loss and so thankful that Ken is no longer suffering from his dementia and connection to you all.
We of course have many fond memories and mental pictures of our laughs, our times together and experiencing life with the Bowman’s through Ken. If it were not for his serious heart procedure Linda and I would not have met 30 years ago.
We will all miss Ken’s ability to make us laugh, his wisdom or lack there of :>) and unwavering love for his family friends and each and every one of you.
May Ken now enjoy the glory that God has created for him and we pray that you all find peace, strength and unwavering faith in the life of Ken Bowman and the wonderful family he helped create. God bless you all.
Dear family,
I am saddened by the grief that you are feeling.
Knowing of God’s love for you, continue looking to him when ” He will wipe all tears from our eyes, death, pain, and suffering will be no more. ” – Revelation 21:3,4
He says death is an ” enemy that will be brought to nothing. ” – 1 Corinthians 15:26
It comforts our hearts to know this pain will be a thing of the past and through Christ a resurrection for our loved ones.
love from a stranger,
jrfdog@gmail.com
Randy, Barbara and Families
May God give you peace and understanding during this difficult time. Thinking of you and your families. What a great legacy of strength and respect. God bless you all.
Dear Randy, Barbara & Family,
May God Bless You All, with His immense love, peace and comfort. Heartfelt condolences, with sorrow for your loss of your loving father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your families and my Uncle John, Amy, Janet & Brian.
Love, Aileen Sheridan & Family