Dear family members I would like to offer my deepest sympathy I know how hard it is losing a love one because like yourself I lost love ones as well. Isaiah 25:8 Says He will actually swallow up death forever. Which is comforting to know. Please read Revelations 21:4 It will bring you comfort during this difficult time. Take care and have a nice day. And once again  you have my deepest sympathy. Love jw. org. 

Bill is remembered for his gentle kindness and willingness to give people a chance to improve their lives.   He gave me a job when I really needed to change the direction of my life, and  provided a working environment that encouraged professional improvement which led to promotion within the company (we also had a lot of fun together as co-workers which at times, I imagine,  Bill may have thought was too much fun).  I am very grateful for the years I had the opportunity to know Bill and work with him at BAYS.  

I worked for Bill and his agency, BAYS, for almost 20 years.  Bill always made me fell that I and my position within his company was valued. He was a quiet man, always the gentleman. His dedication to his company,  his employees and their families, and the clients we had the honor to service, was above reproach. He was a good leader.  He worked hard to build a private non-profit company  that benefited so many families around the State of Florida.  Bill was the head of a business that employed a lot of people all around Florida. What struck me about Bill was the time he spent getting to know each of his employees. If an employee experienced a joyous occasion while working at BAYS, Bill always had a kind word to say, and if an employee was experiencing some kind of difficulty in their life, Bill was always there to offer support. I believe it was for this reason so many of us felt an unconditional respect for Bill. I thought one of my saddest days was the day Bill retired from BAYS. Learning that Bill passed away from this life at such an early age has proven to be sadder.  My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

Sad to learn of Bill's passing. I was fortunate to have been able to work with Bays in Lakeland for 12 years. I have only fond and proud memories of those times. Bill was a quiet, consistent leader who brought out the best in people.  I was able to be a part of the HRS Jasp days, the DJJ formation period and subsequent growth of the agency. Throughout it all Bill was consistent, calm and kind.  Grateful I was able to be a part of the Bays family. 

It was heartbreaking to learn of Bill's passing.  I started working with Bill at Youth Programs Inc. , the precursor to BAYS in the early 1980's.   In the years since, I most often ran into him at our neighborhood Publix, where we would both be buying food.... specifically for cats.   Bill was a good man; genuine and kind.  He will be dearly missed.
Rest in peace, Bill.

Bill was one of the kindest and most caring person  I have known.  He was so dedicated to the families and children who were in the BAYS program.  He wanted to make sure they all received the services they needed to be successful in their lives. He was even more caring and kind to all of us who worked with him at BAYS!  Thank you Bill for always being there for all of us, you are truly missed!  Enjoy your place in Heaven near the beautiful flowing Creek.

Bill was such a wonderful neighbor and friend, a true gentlemen who made the world a better place.  Always kind, supportive and upbeat for the many years we knew him.  We are very saddened by his death and we miss him so much already.  We were very blessed to have him in our lives for many years.  He really loved his family, his friends and his cats with all his heart.   His love of animals was amazing and he liked to feed the birds and wild animals too.  Our condolences to his family.  He spoke of all of you often with deep affection.  We will always remember him, rest in peace dear friend.  Martha and Daniel Dalfino 

My deepest sympathies to ALL who knew & worked with Bill in the Juvenile Justice System of Florida. Bill was a compassionate man that gave & cared for so many youth, family & coworkers.  In his retirement years I would also run into him at Tampa Airport where I worked for TSA after my retirement from the State of Florida & ACTS!

Our hearts ache for all of Bill’s family and friends as we deal with this sudden loss of a kind soul. Bill’s commitment to the youth he served was unmatched. He cared greatly for those who worked with him and valued his friendships deeply . We keep all of you close to our hearts during this most difficult time. Be at peace, Bill.

Bill was just so cool!!! He was unassuming and brilliant always. He had this magnificent quality of consistently 
Making you feel better about yourself and the world. It was a honor and privilege to work with him at the agency that he so loved, Bay Area Youth Services. 

We are all very saddened by Bill's passing. My deepest condolences to his family whom he loved so much. Bill was a man of high moral character and integrity whose principles defined his life. He was a caring, loving and generous soul who put the needs of other before himself. A huge part of his life was devoted to youth causes and as founder and Director of Bay Area Youth Services (BAYS), he was able to realize his professionals goals. He worked tirelessly for 30 years with a group of dedicated staff. Throughout those rewarding yet challenging years, he remained committed to his employees and they always came first! Bill was an avid Tampa sports fans and supported the Bucs, Lightning and Rays since the teams were formed. 
Bill so loved his cats and supported agencies that cared for strays and those with medical needs. He would be so happy to see donations to the agencies listed here. 
There is an emptiness that I hope will be gradually filled with the happy and positive memories of Bill.  He will be forever in my heart.

So many fond memories of my time with BAYS with so many wonderful people that Bill surrounded himself with.  Such a wonderful, meaningful time in my life both personally and professionally.  As an employee I always felt very proud to represent BAYS and the reputation Bill established.  Under his leadership I always felt that no matter what was happening  everything was going to be alright and I always felt respected and valued.  As a person I always felt safe and knew that Bill had my back.  It was a place to belong to and when you spoke with him, he didn't just hear you but really listened to you.  Thanks for the opportunity and memories Bill.  God's blessings on you and your family (and cats)!

My thoughts and prayers go out mto your family in this time of sorrow and remembrance.  When I first started working for BAYS  in 2005 
There was a certain comfort that came over me in the fact I was finally working for an agency run my a person who truly cares about his employees , empowers and motivates them for success.   He was extremely passionate about the work he did .  The clients and families grew to appreciate it.   It was very much a family when  working for the agency at that time.   I remember the company wide trainings we used to do at various locations  like  the zoo.  He was certainly well respected in the community and will be sorrowfully  missed

BAYS, FL: Circuit 5 wishes to send our deepest condolences to the Bowman Family and close friends. He was the founder and former CEO of our company. His vision to help the lives of troubled youth in our community has been a beacon of change and continues to touch the lives of many in the state of Florida. On behalf of our team, we thank Bill for his passion and vision to give opportunity to youth who desperately need second chances! 

Bill has been the biggest influence on my career. He showed me that you can be firm and have high expectations of your employees and truly still care about each one of them. Bill gave me my first chance at a senior management position and the lessons I learned from him have influenced the way I have led and mentored my staff throughout my career. To this day I have not worked for anyone close to the greatness of Bill. I hope to one day be as great of a leader as Bill but more so I hope to be as great of a man!  Rest In Peace my friend and mentor. 

I was saddened to hear the news of Bill’s passing.  Right out of college, he hired me which set forth my career journey in youth development.  He believed in me and his team and was a man of integrity, heart and dedication to serve!  He was a mentor, friend and someone I admired deeply and respected.  Bill was a quiet leader, but he always knew how to guide, fight for what’s right and provide opportunity not only to the team he supervised but to the youth and families he served.  Bill will always remain in my heart as my first boss who left a mark on my life to teach me to be the leader I am today!  Rest In Peace dear Bill and my heart and prayers go out to all the lives he touched!  

Bill was one of the most influential people in my life. He gave me my first job where I stayed for nearly three decades, and became my mentor and treasured friend. Bill was a man of impeccable character who set a high standard both professionally and personally. He represented all that is good in this world. He was an honest, responsible, compassionate man who loved animals (especially his cats) and was devoted to his family and friends. All of this was wrapped in a kind and gentle soul. I am honored to have been his friend, and he will be missed greatly

I was  very fortunate and blessed to get to have worked for and have the opportunity to get to  know Bill while employed at BAYS from 1994-2000. He made my first professional job a wonderful experience and the bar was set high as far as upper management was concerned. I am not able to say that about many other companies I’ve worked for since my time there. I am so very grateful that I had this time to see what it should be like and it’s largely thanks to someone of Bill’s caliber. My heartfelt condolences go out  to his family and friends and prayers are with you all at this time of loss. RIP Bill and thanks for demonstrating to me what it looks like to be valued and appreciated as an employee.😇🙏😇

OBITUARY

William Francis Bowman

July 27, 1950 – June 20, 2019

Blount & Curry Funeral Home-Carrollwood

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