Bruce retired from IBM Corporation with over 35 years of service. He was a member of Hickory Grove Baptist Church where he enjoyed ushering and assisting in the food service ministry. Bruce was a self-proclaimed low average golfer, was involved with Endwell Youth Organization, and enjoyed bowling and playing basketball. He was a member of The Singing Men of America and was the founder of the Windsor Run Bad Boys Club. He was also a self-taught bass guitar player and founded the Golden Overdrive Band which evolved into The Windsor Strummers.
Bruce was predeceased by his first wife, Earla Bloom Bowen; his parents, Royal and Edith Zimmer Bowen; his three brothers, Kenneth, Douglas and Royal “Pat” Bowen; and his two sisters, Delores “Laurie” Manzer and Judy Micha.
Bruce is survived by his wife, Doris Hoag Bowen, his sons, Craig Bowen and his wife, Laurie, and Scott Bowen and his wife, Lisa; his sisters, Shirley Bennett, Donna Wood and her husband, Graham, and Barbara Smith. Bruce also leaves behind his grandson, Bradley and his wife, Erin; his great grandsons, Landon, Benjamin and Miles Bowen; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bruce is also survived by his stepchildren, Mark Smith (deceased), Sandy Sweet and her husband, Scott, Jeff Smith and his wife, Lisa, and Becky Smith and her husband, Phil; step grandchildren, Jenna Roper and her husband, Justin, Mark Hanlon and his wife, Paige, Lindsay Hanlon, Eric Sweet and his wife, Kelly, Daniel Sweet and his wife, Jenna, David Smith and his wife, Anetta, Charis Begley and her husband, Sam, and Michael Smith; and step great grandchildren, Madelyn Smith, Ava and Isaac Begley, Bryant Carpenter, Meya, Mave and Jade Smith, Emmie, Lyla and Maryn Roper, Blakely and Carly Hanlon, and Logan, Shep, Gracie and Sam Sweet.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until 11:00 am Friday, May 12, 2023, at Hickory Grove Baptist Church Harris Campus Chapel, with a Celebration of Life to follow at 11:00 am. The Reverend Steve Adams will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hickory Grove Baptist Church, 7200 East W.T. Harris Boulevard, Charlotte, North Carolina 28215, and Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship Foundation, Bob Hope Patriotic Hall, 1816 S. Figueroa Street, Suite L-5, Los Angeles, California 90015.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com for the Bowen family.
