Please note that this post contains affiliate links and any sales made through such links will reward MageeNews.com a small commission – at no extra cost to you.
Robert Louis Bowen was born in Louisiana on May 31, 1948 to the late Jackson Perry Bowen, Sr. and Neva Victoria Freeman Bowen. He left his earthly home to be with Jesus on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Asbury Hospice House.
Robert lived his life with remarkable positivity and purpose. He was the kindest of souls, always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Fearless in both heart and spirit, Robert faced every day with a radiant smile and an unwaveringly positive outlook.
He deeply loved his family and friends, cherishing every moment spent with them. Robert was proud to be a Freemason and found great meaning in the brotherhood and service it represented.
Throughout his life, he worked in a shipyard, served his community through maintenance work for the town of Raleigh, and found his greatest joy in his favorite role: a farmer. His strong work ethic and love for the land reflected his humble, generous nature.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Neva Victoria Freeman Bowen and his father, Jackson Perry Bowen, Sr.; his longtime companion, Shirley Jackson; his life partner, Debbie Bradshaw; his siblings, JP Bowen, Tommy Bowen, Jimmy Dale Bowen, Donald Ray Bowen, Clinnon Daniels, Hazel Stork, Lucille Mansfield, Jewel Martin, Thelma Rayner, Johnie Faye Marthaler, Mary Lee Neeley, and Peggy Harrison, his maternal grandparents and paternal grandparents.
He is survived by his siblings, Joe Bowen (Claudette), Bobby Bowen (Julie), and Elizabeth Boyette; stepsons, Rudy Jackson (Cassie) and Rodney Jackson (Denise); a host of grand and great grandkids; a host of nieces and nephews; his good friends Mitch Rucker, Mitchell Johnson, and David Brown; friend and cousin, Jada Rezaei; his best friend, Emerald Bradshaw; and his cow, Velma.
A celebration of Robert’s long, happy life will be held on Sunday, October 19, 2025 at Salem Baptist Church with visitation from 2:00pm until 4:00pm. The service will begin at 4:00pm with Bro. Stephen Hand and Bro. Rudy Jackson officiating. Burial services will follow in Merchant Cemetery.
Arrangements are entrusted to Tutor Funeral Home of Magee.
