Lawrence Eugene Bowyer

Born on May 7, 1938, in Lexington, Virginia, he was the son of the late Elmer Charles Bowyer and Rochie Goad Bowyer. Lawrence grew up in the Cornwall area of Buena Vista, Virginia. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bonnie Castle Bowyer; his sister, Helen Bowyer Mays; and his brothers Robert “Bobby” Bowyer Sr., Frank Bowyer, Wilford Bowyer, and Charles Bowyer.

Lawrence is survived by his sons, Mark Bowyer (Janet) and Troy Bowyer (Audra); his daughter, Susanne Bowyer; granddaughters Hannah Thomas (Zac) and Mariah Bowyer; grandson Conner Bowyer; great-granddaughter Chelsea Thomas; brothers Mike Bowyer (Mary Ann) and Lester Bowyer (Karen); sister -in-laws Arlene Bowyer and Shirley Humpheries and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and lifelong friends.

Lawrence proudly served in the United States Army from May 3, 1962, to April 20, 1965, as a heavy equipment operator stationed in Mannheim, Germany. He was assigned to the 535th Engineer Company and earned an Expert Rifle M-14 medal. Following his honorable discharge, he dedicated 28 years of service to May Brothers Construction in Forest, Virginia.

Known for his signature blue jean bibbed overalls and baseball cap, Lawrence took great joy in “piddling” around the home he built and lived in for more than 50 years. He enjoyed watching westerns on television, spending time on his porch or in the basement, and in his earlier years, was often seen with a Ben Franklin cigar—more often chewed than smoked—a familiar sight fondly remembered by family and friends.

A devoted family man, Lawrence was always present at family gatherings, surrounded by his children, siblings, cousins, and extended relatives. His greatest joy came from simply being with the people he loved.

A celebration of Lawrence's life will be held on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 1pm at Whitten Timberlake Chapel, officiated by Pastor Steve Kidd. The family will receive friends from 5-7pm the night prior, Tuesday December 30, 2025 at Whitten Timberlake.