Andrew Bowden

Andrew Paul Bowden, 86, of Garden City Beach, SC, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was known by friends as Andy or A.P. and lovingly by family as Poppie. Born in Henderson, North Carolina, he was the son of the late David Clifton and Hattie Bradburn Bowden. After Andy met his beautiful wife of 65 years, Brenda Scott, he settled in Camden, SC, to start a family. In 1971, he founded the family-operated business, A.P. Bowden Construction Inc., which was a staple in road, underground utility, and site work throughout the Midlands of SC for over 35 years. Andy took great pride in his work, with his reputable construction business being a testament to his dedication and drive to succeed. When he was not on the job site, he was an avid golfer and spent free time on the course at Camden Country Club. Although Andy's intense work ethic was always clear to anyone he met, his greatest accomplishments that he was most proud of were his wife, four daughters, and his only son.

After retiring from the family construction business, Andy moved to the beach, where he continued to stay busy managing several of his vacation rental homes in Surfside Beach and Garden City. While enjoying retirement at the beach, he traded his golf clubs for a boat. Andy loved spending time fishing for flounder in Murrells Inlet or just off the coast for a bigger catch. Everyone who knew him quickly saw his love for working with his hands and keen eye for perfection in everything that he did, from building beautiful furniture out of antique heart pine that he salvaged and reclaimed to rose and vegetable gardening.

Andy was quick to offer words of wisdom or a fitting idiom for any situation. His creative mind was always churning to solve a problem, make a repair, or find ways to recycle everyday items as he did not want to see anything go to waste. He loved looking out for his neighbors and was always eager to lend a helping hand. Throughout his life, Andy was involved in many organizations, including the Freemasons, Shriners, and miscellaneous volunteer work.

Andy's family grew from five children to nine grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, all of whom he gave a playful nickname that will always be cherished.

Andy was predeceased by his son and namesake, Andrew Paul "Little Andy or Little A.P." Bowden II, and is survived by his wife, Brenda Scott Bowden; daughters Rhonda Moye (Mitch), Sheila Wilson (Danny Shelley), Sharon Ansley (Terry) and Dawn Gates (Rob), grandchildren; Andrew Moye (Erin), Julia Moye Stillinger (Uriah), Elizabeth Wilson, Emily Wilson, Abigail Wilson, Connor Ansley (Kristin), Madison Ansley Karolczyk (Jackson), Charlie Gates, Anna Reese Gates, and 4 great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Quaker Cemetery, 713 Meeting Street, Camden.

Kornegay Funeral Home, Camden Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.