Herbert Willis Bowman Jr.

“How grateful I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard, your love.” A. A. Milne

On Friday, November 1, 2024, Herbert Willis Bowman, Jr., went home to be with the Lord. "Ronnie," as he was affectionately called by family and friends, was born on December 25, 1953. He was a Christmas baby and the first of eight children to Herbert and Lillian Lue Bowman.

Ronnie was a devoted son, brother, uncle, cousin , and friend. He often teased his siblings with his catchphrase, "First born, first loved." His big smile was his trademark.

Ronnie was a retired employee of Eastern State Hospital, where he worked for over 30 years. He graduated from James Blair in 1972, and was a life-long resident of James City County. Ronnie absolutely loved football. He was an avid fan of the L.A. Rams, regardless of the city. He enjoyed junk food, fast-food, shopping, listening to smooth jazz, classic funk and r&b from any decade, and watching action movies. Ronnie loved his family and relatives. He was the epitome of a "gentle giant."

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Mary Lucy Tyler, Ollie Mae Bowman, and Walter Lee Sheird; sister Lillian Patricia Bowman; and brother Bobby Charles Bowman.

Ronnie leaves to cherish his precious memories; his brother Johnnie Bowman (Jeanie); sisters, Carletha Bowman, Leslie Bowman, Janet Pearson (Louis), and Cindy Bowman; aunt Cherlyn White; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-aunt, great-uncle, cousins, and caring friends.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at Williamsburg Memorial Park. 

Professional services have been entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia. 757-229-3011. https://www.whitingsfuneralhome.com

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