David "Craig" Bowyer

David "Craig" Bowyer, age 83, of Rutherfordton, NC, passed away Monday, September 29, 2025.

A native of Polk County, Craig, was the son of the late Finch and Addie Bowyer. In addition to his parents, Craig was preceded in death by his brother, Edgar Bowyer.

Craig is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Hazel Bowyer, two sons, David Hoyle Bowyer and his wife Anita, Kevin Wayne Bowyer and his wife Toni, four brothers, Preston Bowyer and his wife Norma Jean, Robert Bowyer and his wife Hazel, Finch Bowyer and his late wife Frances, and Wayne Bowyer and his wife Marie, sister-in-law, Imogene Bowyer, two granddaughters, Savanna Adams and her husband Aaron, and Virginia Bowyer.

Craig, pop, dad, and grandpa were the names he was most called by and lived by. He was a simple man with traditional values. Values that never left you in doubt that his family was his number one pride and joy. He loved other things like, hunting and fishing and camping but never without his family alongside him. He was ready to hunt anything at any time or at least take a nap in the woods with a pocket full of BabyRuth's and almond joys.

He was an avid outdoorsman and could name every tree, nut, root, and flower within eyesight. He knew what wood was best used for building and what plant was used best for your health. He used to sit on the porch in the early morning sun with his granddaughters and call back and forth to the birds singing and tell them what song went with that type of bird. From stories told, he gained his abundant knowledge of the outdoors from his own grandfather and then passed it down to his children and his grandchildren.

He loved sharing stories of days gone by with his family sitting around the supper table with a good old fashioned home cooked meal his wife prepared. Or even sitting in his favorite lazy boy recliner, with his feet and legs hanging off to the side and his hands crossed in his lap he would reminisce about times spent on the farm with his brothers or days spent with is buddies in the Army national guard. He was a storyteller like none other and could tell them for hours. He was always happy to have a new audience to share his tales with.

Leading up to his birthday every year he would relentlessly ask his wife if he was going to get a fruit cake for his birthday. As the years went on, making a fruit cake became quite a chore for her and every year she would say she wasn't making one that year, and yet year after year without fail she would present to him a beautiful 30 pound fruit cake and he would light up the room with such joy. Okay, so maybe it wasn't 30 pounds but it sure seemed like it.

He loved his children. He taught them values that make great men, "look them in the eye and give them a firm handshake" and "always respect everyone till they give you a reason not to." He always wanted to be a part of whatever they were doing. Both of his sons' homes will hold memories of him coming in the early mornings with his gallon jug of sweet tea to begin building not just the houses themselves but many projects for years to come. He could build anything and always knew how to fix something or at least make it work when you're in a bind. He never stopped improving on builds he did with a constant flow of ideas on how to make it better. He was the ultimate do-it yourselfer helping friends and family complete many projects.

He loved his grandchildren. Always greeted them with the biggest smile and a "how you doing", with the best bear hug to follow. Growing up, on the weekend they would spend the night with him it was always the same routine on Sundays, wake up early, get to Hardee's before the crowd did and you better not be late, have a gravy biscuit with hash browns and a coffee with two creams and three sugars. After breakfast it's straight to the Cowpens battle ground for a walk. All through the walk he would point out every tree and tell you what it was. Walking alongside him he would always say, "hold your shoulders back and head high. Be proud!" You were never in his presence without walking away, having learned something new. He always expected everyone to do their best and he had no doubts that you could do it.

"Bye girls, grandpa loves you. Be good",

"we will try",

"you better do more than try!" As two giggling little girls trotted away.

Perhaps his greatest legacy will be the values instilled in his sons and granddaughters that if something is worth doing, it is worth doing right. As well as a deep appreciation and love of the outdoors.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, Friday, October 3, 2025, at McMahan's Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at McMahan's Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00 PM, Friday, October 3, 2025, with Reverend Eddie Padgett officiating. Interment will follow at Eternal Hills Memorial Park with Military Honors provided by the Rutherford County Honor Guard. McMahan's Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.