George Bowdler

SALUDA - Dr. George Albert Bowdler, Jr. passed away Friday, January 25, 2013. Born September 5, 1920 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Dr. Bowdler was a son of George A. Bowdler, Sr. and Ruth Nicholson Bowdler who were missionaries in Argentina at the time of his birth.

He is survived by sons, Gordon E. Bowdler of Saluda, SC and David R. Bowdler of West Columbia, SC; daughters, Patricia Stewart (Curtis) of Columbia, SC and Debbie Robin (Joel) of Canoga Park, CA, and brother, Ambassador William G. Bowdler of Sharps, VA. He was predeceased by his parents; son, Bruce N. Bowdler of Los Angeles, CA.; sister, Betty Muirden of Copley, OH.; brother, Victor Bowdler of Columbia, SC and former wife, Caroline Bowdler of West Columbia, SC.

Prior to returning to the USA, Dr. Bowdler served in the Argentine military. After graduating Columbia Bible College, Furman University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, he served as pastor at Mt. Hermon Baptist in Mt. Hermon, LA. and Denny Terrace Baptist in Columbia, SC. Following the ministry at these churches, he went to Guatemala as a missionary for the Southern Baptist Foreign Mission Board. After returning to the USA, he served as chaplain at Baptist Hospital in Columbia, SC and taught at USC-Aiken until his retirement in 1985. Following retirement, he moved to Panama City, FL, where he co-founded Capstone House, a spiritual information center.

A steadfast USC Gamecock fan, George also enjoyed distance running and never passed up a good buffet.

Memorials may be made to Capstone House, 1713 Beck Ave. Panama City, FL. 32405; the Bill and Melinda Gates Polio Foundation, PO Box 23350, Seattle, WA 98102; the S. C. Baptist Convention, 190 Stoneridge Dr., Columbia, SC 29210; or the Wildwood Worship Center, 2112 Lake Road, Ridgeway, SC 29130.

The family wishes to thank the dedicated staff at Generations of Batesburg, SC for their loving care.

A memorial service for Dr. Bowdler will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday February 9, 2013 at Caughman Harman Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel, Lexington, SC.