Mr. Donald Ray "Don" Bowden beloved husband of Betty Howard Bowden and a lifelong resident of Tangier Island, Va., passed away Monday, Oct. 15, 2018 at his home.
Born Nov. 2, 1947 on Tangier Island, he was a son of the late George Edward Bowden and Coreen Crockett Bowden. Don had a passion for all things outdoors that surpassed his assumed birthright as a Tangier waterman. When he wasn't working on the water, Don spent much of his time duck hunting, carving decoys, watching and studying his favorite bird, the Purple Martin, building bird houses, or gardening. On April 9, 2015, Don humbly accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior during a revival service at New Testament Church. He was proud to be a God fearing man.
In addition to his devoted wife of 50 years, he is survived by his three children, Diana Johnson and husband Carl of Greenfield, N.H., Marilyn Pruitt and husband Jeff, and Don Bowden and wife Jennifer, all of Tangier; two sisters, Allene Gordy and Jeanette Crockett and husband Allen; all of Tangier; five grandchildren, Corinne and Jill Pruitt, Abigail and Elijah Johnson, and Piper Bowden; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Other than his parents, Don was predeceased by two sisters, Gladys Dise and Joyce Pruitt; and his brother, Johnny Bowden.
A visitation was held at the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home on Friday, Oct. 19, 2018 from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., immediately followed by the funeral service. Interment took place in the Crockett Family Cemetery on Monday, Oct. 22, 2018 at 2 p.m. Don's nephew, Elder Duane Crockett, officiated.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the New Testament Church Mission Fund, c/o Danny McCready, P.O. Box 3, Tangier, VA 23440.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements by the Williams Funeral Homes, Onancock and Parksley.