Matthew W. Bowden

BOWDEN, MATTHEW WAYNE, age 52, of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, passed away on Wednesday, October 11, 2017. Matt was a remarkable man who loved his family and the outdoors, and was a faithful friend beyond all measure. His family, friends and coworkers have valued his personal strength and wisdom, and will miss the insight, wry humor, and selflessness that led to enduring friendships and an outstanding career that reached the highest levels. His loving survivors include his wife of 26 years, Toni Wallace Bowden; his sons, Curtis Bowden and Clayton Bowden; his parents, Travis and Dena Bowden, his sister, Andrea Bowden Parker (Craig), and nieces and nephews, Drew Parker, Anna Cathryn Parker, Caroline Parker, Elizabeth Parker, Emily Parker, Clyde Wallace, Will Wallace, Dickson Buchanan and Kathryn Reyes. Matt was preceded in death by his dear grandparents, Curtis and Ruth Bowden, and William and Elizabeth Fortenberry, and by his beloved uncle, Gary Fortenberry. Matt Bowden was a gift from God – to his parents, to his wife and children, to his sister, his extended family, and to all who got to know him. He always used his personal steadiness, keen intellect, common sense, discernment and judgment to help others, and his advice, support and guidance have made a difference in the lives of countless friends and colleagues. At work, Matt used his exceptional talents to tackle all situations with grace, care and thoughtfulness, and he earned the utmost respect and admiration from his colleagues. Matt's pursuit of excellence and his determination helped propel him to partnership in the Balch & Bingham law firm, and later all the way to General Counsel of Alabama Power. An avid outdoorsman and devoted supporter of the Alabama Wildlife Federation and Forever Wild, Matt never missed an opportunity to fellowship with family and friends with nature as the backdrop. He simply loved being outside, whether in a deer stand, on a fishing lake, in a duck blind or sitting around a campfire. Matt brought joy to every outdoor adventure with family and friends, and in the outdoors, just as he did in the rest of his life, Matt created a legacy defined by stewardship, fellowship, love and compassion. A visitation for friends will be held Sunday, October 15, 2017 at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home in Hoover, AL from 2:00 – 5:00 P.M. The family thereafter will conduct a private memorial service in Spring Creek, AL. In lieu of flowers or other memorials, please send donations to the Alabama Wildlife Federation (www.alabamawildlife.org).