Russell Joe Bowman
1951 - 2025
On August 24th God called our beloved Husband, Father, Papa, and Brother home to Heaven.
Russell Joe Bowman was a loving husband to Robin for 53 years, devoted dad and buddy to Amanda (Mandy), a hero to his beloved granddaughter Isabella (Bella), and cherished his son-in-law Tommy as if he was his own.
Other significant people in his life were Scott Craig (his brother-in-law, hunting buddy, and partner in crime!), Randy Hill (his pretty much adopted son and hunting buddy), and Jackie White (his hunting buddy, long time co-worker, and good friend). Also, very important people in his life included Lisha, Sam, Bryslee, Addi, Cam, and his sweet little Lucas Cook that he adored.
Russ was the 12th of 13 children born to Alex and Bessie Bowman. Surviving siblings are Nancy Hopkins, Gil Bowman (Mary), Robert Bowman (Becky), Keith Bowman (Debbie).
Russell was a man that loved God, family, hunting, and fishing (in that order). He loved people. He especially loved his “Red Rooster Crew”. Steve, Rodney, both Mikes’, Jr, Amy, and many more. Russell was also very loved by the Stokes Opportunity Center crew. He always went out of his way to talk to them, and he’d always make them laugh. He loved to laugh and joke, loved his westerns, and adored his dogs. One of the last sounds he heard as he left this earth was the sound of his sweet dogs barking. He was a simple and generous man who did not require a lot of material things in life. If he had a cup of coffee, or perhaps a sweet treat, then he was happy as can be. Family and friends were his wealth in life. He was truly one of a kind, and to know him was to love him. He was so humble, and kind. He had an infectious silly little grin, and he had the funniest, loudest, most distinct laugh ever! He also left us with a wealth of life lessons that he’s passed on to so many. An avid outdoorsman, he was the kind of man they don’t make anymore. We are thankful that God let us enjoy him for 74 wonderful years, and we know we will see him again in Heaven one glorious day. We do rejoice in the fact that until then two of his best buddies, Jason Niten and Dean Bullins, were there to greet him until we get there. What a reunion that must have been!
To Bella: You were Papa’s pride and joy. You rocked his world the day you were born, and you have been his number one for 19 years. Oh, how he loved you, and will continue to love you until y’all meet again.
A memorial service will be held this Saturday, August 30th at 1:00 with family greeting friends at 12:00 at Willow Oak Baptist Church 4837 NC 89 Walnut Cove, NC 27052
Speakers to include Cliff Willis (pastor), Ricky Craig (brother-in-law), Ronnie Craddock (nephew)
Russell was a great friend and neighbor. He will be missed by so many. Praying for comfort for his family.RIP Russell 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Mandy, Tommy, and Bella, I am so very sorry for the loss of your daddy, father n law, and papa. He sure raised one amazing daughter of whom I am sure he was very proud. Sending prayers and hugs to you all. Love, Jennifer Jeffords
We always enjoyed seeing Russell come in the store. He was always so kind and left us laughing.
He will be missed! Your family is in our thoughts and prayers!
Betty’s Outdoors
I’ve known Russell my entire life and I’m so grateful for the memories I made with him that I’ll never forget. He was always there every Sunday morning at church growing up, grinning at me as I walked through the door. He looked after my mom, my brother and I during hard times. The man that took me rabbit hunting for the first time in my life and helped me every step of the way. Russell and Randy were my hunting mentors that helped shape who I am today.
Love and prayers for y’all.
Robin I am so sorry Wade and I can’t be there for you. We will remember Russell with the love and joy he always gave us.We pray God gives all of you strength. Love to your family. Wade and Joan
I started at stokes opportunity center in walnut cove in 2019 and robin helped me and I met Russell as well when he came to SOC I loved him my heart goes out to robin and Mandy and Bella Rowell loves them as as us at SOC as well he would always pick with us when he came there wasn’t a dull moment when he walked in SOC he loved robin a lot and I’m sorry for the passing of Russell he was my friend and everyone at SOC as well as around the town of walnut cove fly high Russell bowman we love you
Always will remember Russell for all his loving support for our children , grands and great grands ..Rest high on that mountain Russell
He was all that and lots more great man proud to have him as a friend plowed my garden worked on my lawnmower will miss that smile on his face not easy loosing friends like Russell glad he has left others like his wife Robin who is almost as sweet a human being Love forever Bobby & Betty Manring
Prayers for the family.
Russell brought so much love into the world but left it with family, friends and community to hold in hearts forever. We’ll miss you, good friend. 💗
Bill and Donna Petree and
all staff at Tuttle Hardware
Sincere condolences to the Bowman family. To my beloved Robin I am praying for your continuef strength. Rejoice in all the precious memories you have and know that he is at rest with our God in heaven. Love & Kisses always Suga💛
We love you all and prayers!! Uncle Russell will never be forgotten!
Matthew 25:21 His Lord said unto him, “Well done good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your Lord.”
Russell was a fine man, wonderful husband, father, father-in-law, Papa and friend to all who knew him.
We send our love and deepest sympathy to Robin, Mandy, Tommy, Bella and the entire family.
Thoughts and prayers for the family. It was a privilege to meet Russell through Dallas. I know he will surely be missed.
Russell was good friend I will miss greatly. He loved his wife and children and grandchildren. He mentioned to me once that he always tried to treat others the way he wanted to be treated. His life demonstrated that in many ways by helping others and being fair to people in his business. Liked humor and to make people laugh. Don’t remember ever seeing him in a bad mood. Both of us loved the outdoors and nature. Sorry Robin, and rest of family for your loss. We will see him again when we get to heaven.
Robin, Mandy, Tommy, and Bella, we are so very sorry. There was never a Sunday that we walked in at church that Russell didn’t jump up and give us a big smile, nudge Perry out of the way and give me a big hug. He was such a special man. He would always remind me of my daddy with his love of hunting and fishing. His love of God and his family was so evident. We are here for you guys if you need anything. Praying for your strength in the coming days. Russell was a precious soul and will truly be missed. God bless you all!
Robin, I am so very sorry to hear of Russell’s passing. He and my husband talked about hunting and fishing at the Red Rooster. It seems like God is calling all of the good ones home. I am sending love and prayers to you and your family. I know this is a great loss.
Dear Robin, im so sorry to
Hear of Russell’s passing,
He was a sweet man, with a wonderful wife, whom we love dearly! Hes at rest now.
We love and are praying for you and family
Wanda and jamie.
Robin, we are so sorry. Many prayers are being lifted for you and your family. Jerry and Wanda
Dear Bowman family,
I was very sorry to hear of Russell’s passing. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and if I can be of assistance in any way, please don’t hesitate to let me know.
Mark W. Young
Walnut Cove, N.C.
Praying for you Robin and family
Thoughts and prayers for Robin and their whole family. I always think of riding the Kerwin church bus with them back in the day – not even sure they were married yet but they were the sweetest couple …….❤️
Heart and prayers are with you and your family Robin. He was such a good friend. Mike and I will miss seeing Russel and hearing his infectious laugh at the Rooster each morning. God as gained a kind and caring angel. He will be missed but will always be with you in In your heart and the precious memories.Sending much love and a warm hugs.