HAMPSTEAD — Billy A. “Bill” Bowden Sr., 77, assumed his rightful seat at the pearly gates Saturday evening, May 12, 2018. As always, Bill was surrounded by the love and light-hearted banter of his friends and family while maintaining both his legendary dignity and his sense of humor.
Bill was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas E. Bowden.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Katherine Hogan Bowden of Hampstead; sons, Billy Andrew “Drew” Bowden of Vanceboro and Mark Christopher “Chris” Bowden, and his wife, Loretta, of Knightdale; and his adored grandchildren, Carly, Elaina and Kailee.
Bill was born in Raleigh, where he spent his childhood. He achieved the rank of corporal with the U.S. Marine Corps while proudly serving his country from 1960 to 1964. Bill continued his service-based career with the North Carolina Highway Patrol. During a portion of his 16-year tenure as trooper, Bill was assigned to the Governor’s Mansion, where he provided security for Governor James E. Holshouser Jr. When not so engaged, he rode the highways and byways across this state enforcing traffic laws, attending highway mishaps and tragedies and drinking a lot of coffee.
Bill joined his “Federal Family” in 1996 when he began service as a court security officer in the Federal District Court, Eastern District of North Carolina, Wilmington Division. In that capacity, Bill served the court under Senior U.S. District Judge James C. Fox until 2012. He ensured the safety of the judge, court personnel, members of the public who visited the Lennon Federal Building, several active courtrooms and the historical building itself, as well as generations of grateful, if greedy, downtown squirrels.
To hear him tell it, Bill was an intimidating golfer, master craftsman of birdhouses and decorative mailboxes, fashion icon, muscle car connoisseur and restorer and avid collector of rare and valuable artifacts. He was an active member of the Sudan Shriners, Int’l, and a participant in its Arab Choo-Choo projects.
Visitation with the family will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, May 16, at Andrews Mortuary, Hampstead Chapel, 17730 Hwy.17-North. A graveside service will be conducted at noon, Thursday, May 17, at Oakwood Historical Cemetery, 701 Oakwood Ave., Raleigh.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests that memorials be made to Pender County Humane Society, 1407 NC Hwy-53, Burgaw, NC 28425; or CARINGhouse, 2625 Pickett Road, Durham, NC 27705.
Share online condolences with the family at andrewsmortuary.com.
