Raymond Dale Bowman

Raymond Dale Bowman, 86, of Oneonta, went to be with his Lord and Savior Friday, May 29, 2026, at his residence surrounded by his family. Raymond was born March 5,1940, in Blount County. 

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Frances Emelie (Golden) Bowman; his parents Lester and Mary (Jackson) Bowman; siblings Frank E. Bowman (Dorothy), Earnest ‘Chubby’ Bowman (Betty Sue), Leroy Bowman (Louise), Violet Sisson, Janie Chappell, Mildred Compton; brothers-in-law Rev. Lynn Thompson, Frank Golden, Freddy Golden, Robert Walker; and sister-in-law Carolyn Walker.

 He is survived by his children Jennifer Bowman, Joel Bowman (Margie) and Emily Bowman Brown; his five grandchildren, Garrett (Devin) Bowman, Morgan Brown, John Brady Bowman, Hannah Brown, and Drew Bowman; great-granddaughter Adaline Grace Bowman; sister Faye Otinger; sisters- and brothers-in law Vera Thompson, Paulette Golden, Pamela Golden, Pete (Audrey) Golden, and James (Wilda) Golden; many loving nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

 Raymond graduated from Walnut Grove High School in 1959, where he was a captain of the football team, ‘All-County’ left tackle, and played center. He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Hornet from 1959-1963, and often said he loved every minute of it! He later earned an associate’s degree from Snead State Community College. 

Raymond met the love of his life, his soulmate, Frances Golden, and they were married on December 15,1962, until her death on April 30, 2022. He retired from Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Gadsden, but his true calling was ministry as a bi-vocational pastor. He served many churches in Etowah and Blount Counties where he and Frances made so many life-long friends. Raymond was a devoted member and Sunday school teacher at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, Moody’s Chapel.

 He was a life-long Alabama Crimson Tide fan, where he enjoyed attending many sporting events, but especially football games throughout the years and was so proud of his children all graduating from The University of Alabama. He and Frances enjoyed traveling, going to the beach and the mountains with friends and family and helping people in various ways. He never met a stranger and generally loved everyone. 

Dad loved listening to Neil Diamond, classical music, and traditional hymns, along with watching Westerns and reading and studying the Bible. He was so proud to be called ‘Poppy’ by his grandchildren and enjoyed going to their various events and was equally thrilled when his first great-grandchild was born. Most importantly, he was unashamed of his faith and his devout dedication to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He ended every sermon with ‘God loves you and so do I.’

 The family would like to thank the entire staff of Enhabit Hospice for their wonderful care, especially his nurse Erica Taylor and his bath aide Ashley Duckett. Also, a special thank you to caregiver Ashley Crowe for going above and beyond for him. Special thanks to the VA and the caregiver support team.

 Visitation will be Friday, June 5, 2026, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Lemley Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held in Lemley Chapel on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 11 a.m. with visitation beginning at 9 a.m.; Bro. Jerry Scott, officiating. Burial to follow at Altoona-Walnut Grove cemetery. 

Pallbearers will be Garrett Bowman, John Brady Bowman, Drew Bowman, Jeff Bowman, Stevie Battles, Joseph Compton, Brad Lanier, Jim Tate, John Tate, and Philip Golden.

 “Well done, good and faithful servant; …enter thou into the joy of thy lord”. Matthew 25: 23.