Gerald Burke Bowie

Gerald was born in Marshallville, Georgia on October 15, 1949 and moved to Athens at the age of three, with his parents and older brother, Ron. He was the son of the late Lucian L. Bowie and the late Lucy Claire Bowie. Growing up in Athens, Gerald loved going to the YMCA and loved playing baseball! He made the All Star team several times. He was an active member in De Molay. Gerald graduated from Athens High School in 1967. He loved the Georgia Bulldogs, especially Georgia football! Gerald was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha while at the University of Georgia. He graduated from UGA in 1971 with a degree in Business Management. Gerald was an excellent salesman and manager at Sears in Athens for over 31 years. He later worked at Lowe's before he retired. He was a devoted Christian and loved the Lord. He was an active member of Young Harris Methodist Church since he was a child. Gerald served as president of the Men's Club, always helped with the church BBQ's, was an usher, and a member of the Seeker's Sunday school class for many years.

He met his future wife, Sherry while at UGA. They would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in September of this year. Their love was strong, through good times and through life's challenges. Gerald was a wonderful husband and a loving Dad to his two sons, Brent and Ryan. He was very active in their lives. And he adored his six grandchildren! He never forgot an anniversary, Mother's Day, or birthday. He loved being with his family. Gerald had a kind heart and taught his children well. He taught them principles, morals, respect, love of God and family, and was there daily to guide them in whatever they were doing, to support them, and cheer them on. He loved spending time with his family, especially at the lake. He enjoyed boating and all of the water sports! Gerald loved going to UGA games and the Braves games. He loved music, loved spending time with friends, loved to dance, enjoyed fishing (especially with his brother growing up), enjoyed camping, traveling, especially to the beach. He enjoyed the many trips to Charleston to see Sherry's family as well as trips to see his brother and family.

Survivors include their two sons: Brent Gerald Bowie (Maria) of Athens, GA and Ryan Patrick Bowie (Meghan) of Atlanta, GA; his brother, Ronald Lee Bowie (Barbara) of Athens; six grandchildren: Spencer Michael Bowie, Alex Gerald Bowie, Emily Louis Justice, Karaline Francis Bowie, Burke Joseph Bowie, and Eila Kathleen Bowie; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 8, 2021 from 2:00-4:00 p.m., at the Bernstein Funeral Home, (3195 Atlanta Highway, Athens, GA). A Celebration of Life will be in the chapel at Bernstein at 4:00 p.m., following with interment at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to Young Harris Church of Athens.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

www.BernsteinFuneralHome.com