Richard Bowden Jr.

Richard Bowden Jr. VIRGINIA BEACH - Richard Bowden Jr., 68, passed away Oct. 8, 2010. Richard was born in Virginia to the late Vivian and Richard Bowden Sr. Left to cherish his memory, is his loving wife; Susan Harrell of 24 years; daughter, Theresa Woodall, her husband John; son, Gary Bowden; and his grandson, Ryan Woodall; his best friend, Glen Gibbs of 45 years; his cousin, Rick Karn; and he also leaves several aunts and an uncle. Upon retirement from the automotive industry, Richie found a great experience working at Checkered Flag as a greeter. He was always ready for work in the early morning and always appreciated the new friends that he made and how helpful they were to him. Richie was an announcer at Northeast Dragway in Hertford, N.C. Not only was he an announcer, but Richie spent many years as a racer as well. He was inducted into the Little Guy Nationals Hall of Fame for drag racing in 2009. The kindness and generosity from the owners, Mr. and Mrs. Trueblood and son Tony, of Northeast Dragway, will always be remembered. Richie loved his family very much, and had numerous friends. He had several special friends, John, Sherry and Teri as well as a neighbor, Charlotte. He also loved animals, especially his cat Casey. Richie will never be forgotten. Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Oct. 16, at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5792 Greenwich Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, with Doctor Richard Keever officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The American Heart Association, www.heart.org, 500 Plume St., East Suite 110, Norfolk, VA 23510. Memorial donations can also be made to the Virginia Beach SPCA, 3040 Holland Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23453. Condolences can be expressed at www.altmeyer.com.