WILMINGTON — Charles Callaway Bowen III, 63, of Wilmington, N.C., passed away peacefully Monday, Feb. 19, 2018, at his home. Charles was born June 4, 1954, in Wilmington to Charles Callaway Bowen Jr., and Elsie Dean (Packer) Bowen.
At age 18, Charles enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served from 1972 to 1976. During his service, he married Sharon Watson of Laurinburg, N.C., in 1974. They were blessed with two children, a son, Charles Phillip, in 1975; and a daughter, Amy Lauren, in 1979. Charles and Sharon were married for 35 years.
Charles worked at the Libbey-Owens-Ford Company, a producer of flat glass for the automotive and building products industries, in Laurinburg for 21 years. When the company was purchased, Charles accepted an early retirement offer and pursued a second career in the automotive and transportation fields. He used his knowledge and expertise as an independent contractor for production and operations management, shipping and freight logistics, and quality control inspection for major companies including BMW, Volvo, Nissan, Thomas Buses, Mack Truck, UPS and others.
Charles enjoyed telling funny stories that filled the room with laughter. He was sincere and transparent and believed in speaking his mind. He always found a way to help someone in need without any fanfare. He loved golfing and fishing and was an avid reader. From childhood, Charles always enjoyed the outdoors. Early in life, he acquired a lifelong love for horses. But there was no horse he ever loved as much as he loved his dog R.C., who was by his side when he passed.
Charles was preceded in death by his father. He is survived by his mother, Elsie Dean Smiley, and stepfather, the Rev. Charles Smiley of Wilmington; son, Charles Phillip Bowen (Mary-Ann) of Atlanta, Ga.; daughter, Amy Lauren Bowen of Conway, S.C.; five grandsons; and two sisters, Yolanda Bowen Bond (Woody) of Sanford, N.C., and Mechelle Bowen Meier of Leland, N.C.
A memorial service with military honors will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 22, at Andrews Market Street Chapel. The family will receive guests at 1 p.m. prior to services. Interment will be private.
Share online condolences with the family at andrewsmortuary.com.
