Bill Bowen, age 53
Mr. Bill Bowen, age 53 of Rockwood, passed away on Wednesday, February 8, 2023. He was born on May 22, 1969, in Rockwood. Bill loved his family and his children more than anything in this world. His friend, Todd Wicks, wrote a beautiful memoir about him that the family would like to be shared as his obituary and story.
“Bill was injured in a tree-cutting accident 28 yrs ago. I was there and I helped carry him outta the woods. I stood in the emergency room waiting on his mother and father to arrive. Bill was an absolute miracle to survive. Bill was literally broken in half. Left paralyzed from his chest down. This guy right here in these pictures bounced back to the best of his capabilities. We live in a small country area, and there is a group of us hunters all around the same age. (Myself, Kevin Griffis, Wendell Kelley, Troy Kelley, Edwin Cooper, Scotty Smith, Shawn Strader, Wesley Strader, Tony Bowen, Lord knows there are many more, but I could fill this page.
As Bill was recovering, we all played a part in making sure he got back in the woods, and on the water. Bill was relentless in his determination to defy all odds, and continue to be the sportsman he was. And most important, he was relentless in loving our almighty Lord and Savior. The men mentioned above and many more, drug Bill up to duck blinds, and helped chunk him to and from the boat. But as always he assisted with the task. Bill had to help the best he could. We rolled him through the woods up and down these TN ridges. Just to help him enjoy his love for the outdoors. Bill was an inspiration to all. He helped with a group of handicapped outdoorsmen. He helped many with their handicap, and learn that they can go on. He worked with many youths through TWRA and helped with the National Wild Turkey Federation.
I just couldn’t let this fella leave this earth without knowing the accomplishments, and lives he touched. Bill was skinny as a rail.
Small framed but as tough as they come, and had the grit of an old hound dog. The good Lord blessed Bill and gave him the gift of touching the hearts of everyone that met him. Our community is saddened, and heartbroken. There is a little bit of peace and ease with all his friends and family. We know Bill has his legs and is walking in Heaven. No more pain or sorrow. I pray for all of Bill’s friends and family. Most importantly he had Jesus Christ.
Just something I wanted everybody to know. Earth lost a good man, but Heaven gained one.
REST IN PEACE MIGHTY BILL BOWEN !! All 150 Ibs of ya, soaking wet.”
He is preceded in death by his parents: Doyle & Margaret Bowen.
He is survived by:
Wife: Kristi Bowen
Children: Kelly Bowen & Caleb Bowen
Siblings: Pam (Jimmy) Stringfield, Carla (Louis) Sutton, and Tony (Sabrina) Bowen
Several nieces, nephews, and very special friends whom he loved dearly.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 12, 2023, from 12:00-2:00 pm ET at Evans Mortuary in Rockwood. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 with Bro. David Treadway officiating. Graveside and interment services will follow in the Glen Alice Cemetery in Rockwood. Evans Mortuary is serving the family of Mr. Bill Bowen.
