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Mailing Address
171 Moultrie St
Charleston, SC  29409

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Holliday Alumni Center
69 Hagood Ave
Charleston, SC  29403

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Phone
843-953-7696

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[email protected]

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  • About
    • Alumni Awards
      • Awards Nomination
      • Alumnus of the Year
      • Honorary Life Member
      • Distinguished Life Member
      • Young Alumnus/a of the Year
      • District Director of the Year
      • Club President of the Year
      • The Carroll N. LeTellier Award
      • Citadel Club of the Year
      • Small Club of the Year
      • Arland D. Williams Award
    • Big Red Flag
      • Big Red Print
    • Board of Directors
      • Committees
      • Director Policy and Handbook
      • Meeting Minutes
      • Past Presidents
      • Strategic Plan 2026
    • Elections
      • 2025 Candidates
    • Frequently Asked Question
    • Holliday Alumni Center
      • Alumni Courtyard Bricks
      • Photo Gallery
      • Courvoisie Banquet Hall
      • Grand Foyer
      • LeTellier Alumni Courtyard
      • McKissick Library
      • Renken Dining Room
      • Scarborough Media Room
      • Tilghman Courtyard
      • Rental Information
    • Join CAA
    • Life Member Card and Decal Request
    • Life Membership Payment
    • Merchandise
      • Licensed Vendors
    • Mission and Bylaws
    • Staff
    • Sword Legacy Program
      • Legacy Swords
    • Alumni Travel
  • The Ring
    • Band of Gold Program
      • Band of Gold and Your Will
    • Class Ring Resize and Remake
    • Class Ring Policies
    • Order a Class Ring
    • Order Class Jewelry
    • Ring and Jewelry Prices
  • Network
    • 2025 Alumni Directory Project
    • Alumni Directory
    • CAA Legislative Barbecue
    • Career Network
    • Citadel Alumni Recruiters
      • Alumni Recruiter Interest Form
    • Citadel Alumni Mobile App
    • Join CAA
  • Clubs & Classes
    • The Citadel Muster
    • Cadet Sendoffs
      • 2025 Cadet Sendoff Registration
    • Citadel Clubs
    • Class Information
    • 2025 Gold Corps Reunion Weekend
    • Email and Calendar Request
    • Gold Star Club Requirements
    • Homecoming
  • News & Stories
    • Alumni Awards
      • Alumnus of the Year
      • The Carroll N. LeTellier Award
      • Citadel Club of the Year
      • Club President of the Year
      • Distinguished Life Member
      • District Director of the Year
      • Honorary Life Member
      • Small Club of the Year
      • Young Alumnus/a of the Year
      • Arland D. Williams Award
    • Alumni News & Archives
    • Distinguished Alumni
      • Alumni Achievement
      • DCA Nomination Form
      • Distinguished List
      • DCA Procedure Guide
      • General and Flag Officers
      • Notable Alumni List
    • Taps
    • The Ultimate Sacrifice
    • Announce a Birth
    • Announce a Marriage
    • Provisional Appointment
    • Share a Personal Achievement
    • Submit an Obituary
  • Login

John J. (Buzzy) Bowden, ’56

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).

Tags: 1956
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69 Hagood Ave
Across from Johnson Hagood Stadium

Phone
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About CAA

The Citadel Alumni Association is a self-supporting organization with the mission to support, advance and promote the ideals and purposes of The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, the Corps of Cadets, and the Alumni.

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