On the morning of February 24, 2023, Buzzy passed away at Marshall Pines Assisted Living and Memory Care center after battling Alzheimer’s Disease for many years. Buzzy was 88 years old.
Buzzy was born as the third child of Henryetta and Earl Judson Bowden on April 11 1934, in Greenwood, South Carolina, where he was raised alongside his two sisters, Rebekah Wardlaw and Marian Bramlette. After high school, he attended the Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina, as a member of the class of 1956. From there, he would go on to spend 25 years of military service in the United States Army, before finally retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. During his distinguished military career, Buzzy received many medals and honors including the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Legion of Merit Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal (four campaigns). Buzzy was married to his loving wife, best friend, and travel partner Donna C. Bowden, for over 30 years. During this time, they moved to Brevard, NC for a short period before realizing life is too short and there was more of the world to see. They packed up and traveled for three years in their motorhome, seeing most of the United States and making many lifetime friends before settling in Stapleton, GA in 2003. They continued to travel in their motorhome part-time for many years. Prior to the progression of his illness, Buzzy was an active member of Wrens United Methodist Church and a member of the Griswold Sunday School class.
Buzzy is preceded in death by his parents, Henryetta and Earl Judson Bowden; and his and his two sisters, Rebekah Wardlaw and Marian Bramlette. He is survived by his loving wife, Donna; his four children, Kelly (Ric) Vann of Trenton, SC, Brett (Lynn) J. Bowden of Dublin, GA, Kellie (David) James of Hephzibah, GA, and Paula (Jim) Osgood of Menomonee Falls, WI; brother-in-law, James (Donna) D. Cofer, Jr.; friends special to the family,Tanner (Diana) Cronic of Highlands Ranch, CO and Angel (Maria) Briones of Stapleton, GA; and his eleven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
A memorial service will be held in the chapel at 2:00 pm on Thursday, March 2nd, 2023 at Thomas L. King Funeral Home, 124 Davis Road, Martinez, GA 30907. The family will receive friends for visitation one hour prior to service time. In lieu of flowers, Buzzy requested that memorial contributions be made in the form of donations to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Islands, NY 10306).