Jerry Randall Bowman

Jerry Randall Bowman, 74, passed away on Thursday, April 20, 2017 in Pensacola, Florida after a brief illness. He was born on January 1, 1943 in Fayetteville, NC to Andrew and Gladys Bowman and raised in Oxford, AL. He married Margaret Anne Wilson in January 1965, just months before he graduated from Jacksonville State University with degrees in biology and chemistry. He started out as a Junior High science teacher in Anniston, Alabama, but after two years began service with the Boy Scouts of America, which would become his lifelong career. By 1968 Bowman was selected Young Man of the Year in Talladega, Alabama. He became the Scout Executive for the Daniel Boone BSA Council in Asheville, N.C. in 1976 where he served for six years before becoming an Assistant Scout Executive in Atlanta, Georgia. From October 1985 until his retirement in March 1998, Bowman served as the Scout Executive for the Gulf Coast Council. He continued his commitment to the BSA as a member of the Gulf Coast Council advisory board. Always dedicated to developing godly character and leadership skills in young people, Bowman was frequently called upon as a public speaker and teacher. He also demonstrated his Christian commitment to service through active involvement at Olive Baptist Church where for a number of years he taught preschool and adult Sunday School classes. Bowman was a masterful story-teller, often weaving in character truths and lessons on high-moral values while spinning tales of southern humor. He was also an avid hobby fisherman and golfer. In later years found his greatest fulfillment being the “available grandparent” to his four grandchildren. Married 52 years, Bowman and his wife often hosted Bible studies and church groups. They enjoyed travel to Canada, Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria and Holland. He is also survived by son, Robert Bowman with grandchildren Trevor and Shelby of Ocala, FL and daughter Amanda Bowman-Nissim, son-in-law Steve Nissim with grandchildren, Asher and Ellie. Additional surviving family include a sister-in-law, Kathy Bowman and niece Amber Sanderson of Scotland Neck, N.C.; an aunt, Jewel Bushey of Racine, WI and many cousins. The memorial service will be held on Monday, April 24 at 11 a.m. at Olive Baptist Church. A reception will follow. The family requests memorial gifts be designated to Olive Baptist Church, Preschool Ministry, 1836 E. Olive Rd, Pensacola, FL 32514 or Gulf Coast Council, BSA, 9440 University Parkway, Pensacola, FL 32514.

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Jerry Randall Bowman

January 1, 1943 - April 20, 2017