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Willie Eanell Bowen, 87, departed this life on April 9, in Burkeville. He was born on March 12, 1937 to the late Freddie Henderson Bowen and Edith V. Smith Bowen. 

He attended school in Prince Edward County and the American School.

He accepted Christ at an early age, was baptized and joined the Monroe Baptist Church of Rice. He was Ordained a Deacon on Sept. 12, 2010. Deacon Bowen was a faithful member, having served as a member of the Senior choir, a trustee and church Treasurer.

During his time away from Monroe he became a watch-care member of Salem Baptist Church, Jersey, Virginia. While there he became a member of the Senior Choir, the Men’s Chorus and the Trustee Ministry.

He was a hard worker and started early in life cutting and hauling wood and raising tobacco with his father. He later worked at Davis Pontiac and Harris-Cook Motor Company in the body shop.

In 1968, he began his career with the Virginia State Parks as a park Ranger at Prince Edward State Park. Through his hard work and dedication, in 1973 he was promoted to Superintendent of Holliday Lake State Park, Appomattox. In 1985, he was promoted to Senior Park Manager at Westmoreland State Park in Montross. He would later become the system’s first African American District Manager. He was instrumental in helping to integrate Virginia State Parks. Prince Edward State Park would later be renamed Twin Lakes State Park. He retired with 32 years of service from the Virginia Division of Parks and Recreation on Oct. 1, 1999. After retirement, his love for cars and people led him to Davis Pontiac GMC in Farmville and later to the Trading Post Used Cars as Salesman.

He was a member of the Northern Neck Lodge #32 Fraternal Order of Police, Westmoreland County Tourism Council, the Farmville Jaycees and the Prince Edward County Elks Lodge No. 269.

Willie enjoyed fishing, gardening, yard work and fast cars. Along with his yard, he kept portions of Fairlea Road and Miller’s Lake Road free of litter and kept the grass cut weekly for as long as he was able.

He leaves to cherish his memories; his devoted wife of 63 years, Ruby Mildred Hicks Bowen of Rice, a daughter, Vickie Annette Bowen Taylor of Midlothian; two grandchildren, Tamonica LeShae Taylor (Fiance Brandon) and Floyd E. Taylor Jr.; three great-grandsons; Senir Kennedy Taylor, Bostyn Alexander Mumphry and Kaison Taylor-George; six sister in laws; Mae Alice Bowen, Martha Elizabeth Mahan, Barbara Jean Spring (Joe), Alfreda HIcks, Rachel J. Hicks, Emma HIcks; two brothers in laws; Robert Lewis HIcks (Cheryl) and Kenneth Wayne HIcks (Georgia) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer’s Association and Prince Edward Rescue Squad.