Robert Bowman Jr.

Robert Bowman Jr., 83, died on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2007, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center, Sumter.

Born March 28, 1924, in Summerton, he was the son of the late Robert Bowman and Mary Ragin Bowman. He was also the widower of Albertha J. Mills Bowman.

He attended public schools in Summerton and then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served his country for four years.

Robert then met the late Albertha J. Mills and married on Oct. 10, 1948. Through this union two children were born, Barbara Ann and Glynnwood. Robert resided in New York City for more than 50 years and was employed with the New York Bus Services for more than 35 years before retirement. He then relocated to Sumter and joined St. Luke AME Church, where he was a faithful member. He served as an active member of the trustee board and the Sons of Allen.

Surviving are his children, Barbara Ann Bowman of the home and Glynnwood Bowman of Los Angeles, Calif.; two grandchildren, Spencer and Bertina; three great-grandchildren, Xavier, Julia and Sakia; three brothers, Bertie H. Bowman, Larry Bowman and Jimmie Lee Bowman; two sisters, Annie House and Dot Ellis; a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Cherokee, Rufus, John, Ernest, Jessica Mar and Lawrence Bowman, Charlotte Carter, Bertha Ragin and Wilhelmenia Bennett.

Funeral services were held Thursday at the St. Luke AME Church, Sumter, with the Rev. Robert R. Hooper, pastor, eulogist, assisted by the Rev. Sammie L. Gary, the Rev. Clarence Hunter, the Rev. Eliza Black and the Rev. Lula Gary.

Burial was in the St. Luke AME Churchyard Cemetery, Sumter.

Williams Funeral Home Inc. of Sumter was in charge of arrangements.