Linwood "Ray" Bowden

Linwood Ray Bowden "Ray", 83 of Gloucester, Virginia, passed away on Friday, November 21, 2025, after a decades-long fight with cancer. Ray was born in Norfolk, VA, to the late Elnora Barnes Bowden (family roots, Princess Anne County, VA) and Linwood Land Bowden (family roots, Currituck County, NC). Ray graduated from Norview High School in 1959 and began work at Norfolk Naval Air Station, Supply Department, as an Electrical Accounting Machine Operator in 1962. He retired from Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center in Chesapeake, VA, as a Supervisory Computer Specialist in July 1999. Besides having a strong work ethic and being a provider, Ray gave back to his community through his involvement in Kiwanis, contributing to various church committees, as well as sharing his beautiful voice in civic and church choirs. He was a man of faith, a lover of music, a sports fan, and an avid history buff. You could often find him in the yard working on a gardening project, and his creations were admired by others. Ray lived his life, and died, in hopefulness. Family was everything to Ray. He is survived by his loving spouse of 44 years, Nancy, and four daughters, Lisa Riggs of Virginia Beach, VA; Cindy Arnold of Suffolk, VA; Shelly Willard (David) of Charlotte, NC; and Kim Ward (Lloyd) of Gloucester, VA, eleven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. A private Celebration of Life Service is being planned by and for his immediate family at a future date. Services are under the direction of Hogg Funeral Home & Crematory. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Linwood "Ray" Bowden, please visit our floral store.