Search by Name

Search by Name

William Bowser Obituary

HAMPTON - On Aug. 19, 2008, William McKinley Bowser departed this life, at his residence.
He was born on March 10, 1942, to Wilburn Bowser and Novella Lewis Bowser, in Murfreesboro, N.C.
William was raised in Newport News, Va., and graduated from Huntington High School in 1960. He attended North Carolina Central University and served as a member of the United States Air Force. He retired from Newport News Shipyard and Dry Dock Company (Northrop Grumman) after 40 years of service.
He was a member of First Baptist Church East End, in Newport News, Masonic Lodge – Widow's Son 54, and The United Steelworker – Local 8888.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Thelma Bowser Williams.
Mr. Bowser is survived by his wife of 33 years, Elaine Pritchett Bowser; his children, Tonya D. Byrd (Stenette III) of Suffolk, Va., and Edward M. Bowser of Brooklyn, N.Y.; two grandchildren, Trae Denise and Stenette Byrd IV; a nephew, Kenneth Williams of Como, N.C.; a brother-in-law, Jeffrey Williams of Hampton, Va.; and a host of relatives and friends.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601-27th St., Newport News, Va.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Heart Association, 500 E. Plume St., Ste 110, Norfolk, VA 23510.
Arrangements by Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, Inc. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Press on Aug. 28, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for William Bowser

Not sure what to say?





Marion Wrenn

September 19, 2008

To Tonya and Family
I was sorry to read of the passing of your father. My prayers are with you and your family. May the memories of him keep you in perfect peace.

Murad Nuriddin

September 6, 2008

To the Bowser Family
Mr Bowser was a mentor to me. I will always remember conversations we had when I worked with Him in the Shipyard.
With Deepest Sympathy from the Nuriddin Family.

Pamela /Lorraine Shavers

August 29, 2008

Elaine, Tonya and Edward,
My mother and I were deeply saddened when we heard of Bill's passing. As you know our families have know each other for a very long time.The children are grown now, but many memories remain in our minds of them playing together and sharing many happy times. Bill recorded various pieces of music for my father as they shared some of the same interests in several artists. He also did some electrical work for my mother, which is still going strong as of this day . He was very articulate and well versed in many subjects. My mother and want all of you to know you have our deepest sympathy and know he is at peace now.
Love,
Lorraine, Pam, and Marlo

Samanthia Moore

August 28, 2008

Mr. Bowser was a very nice and quiet neighbor whom we met 12 years ago. We will miss him coming over to the house to enform my husband of some new book or video that he just got and wanted to share with him and would encourage him to read. We can still remember the smile that would come across his face when he use to speak of his mother, or that glow that he would get when ever he spoke of the accomplishments that his daughter and son had. My son often speak on how he use to teach him how to detail a car when he would wash his cars for him or help him put a new tool or appliance together. Our hearts go out to the family, for Mr. Bowser will be truly missed.
The Moore Family of 414 Celey Street.

Joyce Green McAfee

August 28, 2008

My thoughts and prayer go out to your family at this difficult time. I was a classmate of William and we graduated at the same time. He was always the same. We shall miss him but he is in the loving arms of God right now enjoying the love of God and his Grace. We shall all meet again and rejoice. From Joyce Green McAfee

Lisa Steele

August 28, 2008

I met Mr Bowser some 7 years ago. I did his framing for him. He became a dear friend and he recorded music for me since we both shared a love for music. He was and still is a special person.
He will be missed!
Lisa Steele
Peninsula Custom Framing

Peggy Carpenter

August 28, 2008

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Doris Holloway

August 28, 2008

Tonya & Family:
Our heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family on the loss of your loved one.
May fond memories bring some comfort during this difficult time.
We'll be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Doris Holloway (Tanisha Taliaferro's mom) & Family

Linda Shackelford

August 28, 2008

To the Bowser Family,
I am saddened to hear of Mr. Bowser's passing. He was a delightful man, so full of positive energy and ever so kind. He spoke about his family often, so I know how much you all meant to him. I know that God will keep you strong during this difficult time. My sincere condolences, Linda K Shackelford Hampton, VA

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results

Make a Donation
in William Bowser's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for William Bowser

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor William Bowser's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more