William Redding “Bill” Bowdoin Jr.

Born November 2, 1944 in Alabama, he was the son of the late William Redding Bowdoin, Sr. and Margaret Stoddard Bowdoin.

Billy attended Marist High School in Atlanta, where he was a three sport athlete and selected as the Cadet Colonel. He was a 1966 graduate of the University of Georgia, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, UGA baseball team and completed the Army ROTC program as Cadet Colonel.

Upon receiving his Army Officer commission, Bill completed his rotary wing training and served a 13 month combat tour in Vietnam, where he was awarded four medals of commendation for his actions. Upon returning to the states, he assisted in re-opening Hunter Air Field in Savannah, Georgia, serving as a flight instructor. He completed his tour of duty at the rank of Captain.

Bill began his 33 year banking career with the First National Bank in Macon (an affiliate of the Trust Company of Georgia). He later served as EVP of First National Bank of Rome, then President of Bank of Bowdon and ended his banking career back in Atlanta as head of SunTrust Legislative and Community Affairs.

Bill never lost his love of sports. Starting in Macon, he began officiating high school football games and worked his way up to the Southeastern Conference. During his 20+ years SEC experience, he had the pleasure of participation in numerous post season bowl games, including the 1998 Rose Bowl. After retiring from “on field” officiating, Bill served one year as the Red Cap official for the Dawg’s home games. He was an avid golfer and loved playing in the Georgia Senior Golf Association events.

Bill married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Patty Farrell of Atlanta. They had three children Jennifer Bowdoin Stevens (Pete), William R. Bowdoin, III., (Amy) and Farrell Bowdoin Collins (David).

Bill and Patty were always very civic minded participants in each of the communities in which they lived. They were 1979 participants in Leadership Georgia (later serving as trustee) and Friendship Georgia, serving as goodwill ambassadors in England.

As a strong Christian man, he was an active member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Athens. He loved his country and was a very proud Army veteran of the United States of America.

He loved spending time with his family, especially his six grandchildren, who affectionately called him Papou.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Patty Farrell Bowdoin.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children, grandchildren, brother, Jack and family, loving companion, Susan, his special “Marist Cadet” group, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

After a private graveside service, a gathering of family and friends will be 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, January 14, 2022, at Bernstein Funeral Home.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.