Charles Ray Bowens, Sr.

“Unto us a child is born, a son was given.” On March 17, 1954, Charles Ray Bowens, Sr. was born to Titus Stein and Warzell Bowens in Cushing, Texas. Charles accepted our Lord and Savior at an early age and was baptized at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in East Texas. He was a member of Greater New Hope Baptist Church and a firm believer in Jesus Christ.

Charles begun his education at Burrus Elementary and graduated from Booker T. Washington Senior High School in 1973. He was a star football player when he met his lovely wife who was a cheerleader in high school. On November 15, 1975, Charles married the Absolute Love of His Life, His Best Friend, His Soul-mate, and High School Sweetheart-Gwyn Bowens. Together, they had a beautiful baby girl (Yashica Bowens) and a handsome son (Charles Ray Bowens, Jr.).

His professional career began at Goodall Rubber Company and he retried after 27 years at Chevron-Phillips Chemical Plant. He was a hard-worker and a great provider. He never missed a day of work in those 27 years traveling back and forth to Pasadena every day. He was known to most as “Chalie” and exemplified the qualities of what a Role Model should be.

Charles was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He was a prime example of commitment, faithfulness, patience, courage and strength with a love for cars and sports. He has a kind and gentle spirit with a big heart of gold. He often didn’t say much, but was always watching. His family meant the world to him and he expressed it every chance he got. One of the most memorable qualities about Charles was he was a bill of good health and vowed to never smoke or drink.

An avid car lover, he was a true “Chevy Man.” He loved spending time with his family, working on cars, going to drag races, collecting old collectible kit cars, listening to music, watching sports and most of all riding in his Black 1992 Chevrolet truck for fun.

On December 1, 2019, Charles was called home from his earthly labor to his eternal reward. Preceding him in death was his sister Shantell Upshaw and grandmother, Rozetta Osborn. Charles leaves a legacy of love to his loving and devoted wife of 44 years, Gwyn Bowens; daughter, Yashica Bowens; son, Charles Ray Bowens, Jr. (Dalronda); granddaughter, Kyla Bowens; brother, Kenneth Upshaw, Sr. (Venessa); sister, Antoinette Walker; mother, Warzell Upshaw and a host of nieces, nephews and friends to embrace his memories.