ALVIN GILMER BOWDEN

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Alvin Gilmer Bowden, 92, went to his forever home in heaven on Friday, Jan. 14, 2022. He was a beloved husband of 50 years to Carolyn Featherston Bowden and a faithful father and friend to many.

He was born on May 20, 1929, in Egeria, West Virginia, to Pat and Mahalia Richmond Bowden. He was the seventh of 12 children and deeply committed to his family heritage. He was honored to have served his country for 22 years, first in the Army Air Corps and later in the U.S. Air Force. He had been stationed in many parts of the world and was so proud that a kid from West Virginia was able to explore the world and actively defend with dignity the democracy he believed in.

After retirement from his military service, Al opened a commercial cleaning service in Rudyard, Michigan, and another also in Sumter. He was a key part in the growth for AudioVision in Sumter and was also a sales representative for John Hancock and Metropolitan Life insurance companies for many years. He later helped open Sumter Discovery Learning Academy and was principal and friend to many of their students.

But, more importantly, Al had a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. His deep abiding faith and fellowship with God was his source of love and compassion to all those he encountered, particularly the lost and the hurting. He was a foster parent to many and a prayer warrior for all.

Al is survived by his beloved wife of more than 50 years, Carolyn Bowden. He is also survived by his children, Deborah Brood, Janet Becker, Alan Bowden, Sheri Furman, Randy Bowden, Jonathan Bowden, Diana Barden, Gabriel Bowden and Hannah Bowden, along with their valued spouses. He has one brother, Carlos Bowden. He is survived by 16 grandchildren who gave him immense joy: Arthur, Jonathan, Rachel, Leonard, Trevor, Tracy, Amber, Jessica, Valerie, Jacob, Maya, Tadd, Elsa, Raelynn, Oakley and GiAnna; 21 great-grandchildren, Rebecca, Hannah, Silas, Amos, Marcayle, Karis, Esther, Alethea, Adam, Ellie, Emma, Lydia, Brett, Bryce, Brady, Bryan, Lyla, Seth, Eli, Zion and Ja'Shawn; and honorary foster children, Michael, Scott, Robbie, Ashleigh, Jessica, Devon, India and Kya, who he thought of as his very own.

Al was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Dorla Dean Cross Bowden; 11 siblings; granddaughter, Sheri Jo Brood; and grandson, Trevor Becker.

Al's family would like to thank the nurses at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital for their tender care and respect of such a beloved man.

A private family service was held at 2 p.m. on Monday at Fort Jackson National Cemetery for the burial of his ashes.

A memorial praise service open to all will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Shaw Heights Baptist Church, where Al was a member for many years. The Rev. Robert White and the Rev. Steve Miller will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers to the family, we request that memorials be made to Shaw Heights Baptist Church, Springbank Baptist Church or to a charity of your choice in his name.

You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family's guest book.

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home for the arrangements.