Paul Ray Bowens

The Life and Memory of Mr. Paul Bowens
Mr. Paul Ray Bowens age 79, departed this life on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. Paul was born on July 21, 1945, to the late Mary Inez White and Lewis Bowens, Paul was a cherished son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend whose presence will be missed by all who knew him. Paul, accepted Christ at an early age at the First Baptist Church Harlan in Harlan, Kentucky. He was a faithful member of First African Baptist Church, Lexington, Kentucky.
Paul grew up in Middlesboro, Kentucky and was a proud graduate of Rosenwald High School, Harlan, Kentucky. He later journeyed to Lexington, to attend the University of Kentucky with a passion for basketball and a dream of attending dental school. Unfortunately, Paul's opportunity to pursue this dream ended when Coach Adolph Rupp denied it. However undeterred by this setback of being the first black to try out there, Paul left college after one year to start a successful career.
Paul proudly served in the United States Army and completed his six-year term with an honorable discharge. His military service shaped much of his character and values, instilling in him deep sense of discipline, loyalty, and respect for others.
He spent 25 years working at IBM (International Business Machines), where he held various roles, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues. After his time at IBM, Paul embarked on several promotions, eventually landing his final position with Lockheed Martin, in Manassas, VA for 23 years, Paul worked as a project manager, a role in which he excelled before retiring in 2013.
Paul was united in marriage to Beverly Carson on June 14, 2013, and together they built a life filled with love and shared experiences. They enjoyed many wonderful annual vacations together, including trips to the Biltmore House, Chateau Elan, and other relaxing resorts. These trips were treasured moments of relaxation and joy. Many of their best trips were spent cheering on the grandchildren at their track and field Junior Olympics and AAU basketball events, were athleticism and competition run deep in his family.
From his former marriage to Miriam Bettye Bowens (deceased), Paul was blessed with two children, Paula Renee Bowens, of Richmond, Virginia, and Kevin (Corina) Bowens, of West Hills, California. Three grandchildren, Maya, Alexander, and Laila. He was favored with three bonus children from his marriage to Beverly, Rosalind London, Kenneth (Serriea) Johnson, Jr. both of Lexington, Kentucky, and Byron Lamont Garner, of Lake Mary, Florida, and blessed to gain five bonus grandchildren: Jordan Miller, Noah and Navey Johnson, Carson, and Ava Garner during our union.
Paul was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing 2 to 3 times a week. He loved the game and always embraced the challenge of completing with his friends, often keeping a watchful eye on the game. Beyond the golf course, Paul was also an enthusiastic bowler. Every Thursday night, he would take his talents to the bowling alley, relishing the fun and camaraderie of the weekly league. For Paul, both golf and bowling were than just games---they were about friendship, competition, and enjoying life.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Inez White and Lewis Bowens, his stepfather, William Fuston Simmons, brother Freddie Bowens, and his beloved sisters Minola Louise Simmons and LaVonnie Bond. Paul leaves to cherish his memory to his beloved wife, children, grandchildren, his bonus children, and grandchildren, sisters Linda Hersey, and Teressia Simmons, nieces and nephews, and a host of other family members and special friends.
A devoted family man, Paul was known for his generosity, kindness, and loyalty to those he loved. He was an enthusiastic and active supporter of causes that helped disadvantaged children and those suffering from illnesses. Paul also gave generously to his local churches and supported other churches with their unique needs, always eager to lend a helping hand to others.
Paul's interment will be at Lexington Cemetery, Lexington, Kentucky. A visitation and funeral services to celebrate Paul's life and memories will be held on Monday, December 9, 2024, at First African Baptist Church, 465 Price Road, Lexington, KY. Visitation at 11:00am. Funeral services 12:00pm.
The family invites all who wish to honor his memory to join them in paying their respects.