Ray Eugene Bowman

Ray Eugene Bowman, 93, passed away from this life, November 24, 2025. Eugene was born on October 10, 1932, to Elva and Myrtle (Bridges) Bowman. As a young boy, he attended Fariview school and worked the family homestead. In 1959, he married Virginia Lynch; they were married for 71 years. Together, they raised five children. Eugene was a farmer and rancher at heart. When asked, he liked to make a joke about being a lover, a fighter, and a wild horse rider his entire life. Eugene went where he could best provide for his family. He was on the crew as a supervisor in the early 1960's when the Ajax missile silos were being built in Greer County. The company moved him to Alabama, where he sat in on meetings with President Lyndon B. Johnson. Eugene then went to work in the oilfield for companies like BJ Hughes. He was sought after cementer and worked on rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, and everywhere in between. He was an amazing storyteller; could spin a story like a wagon wheel and make a person feel like they were there when it happened. Eugene was a faithful member of the Red River Cowboy Church and a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wife, Virginia Bowman; His only sibling, Lula Mae Williams.
Left to honor his memory are his children, Donnie and wife Kathy, Allen and wife Debbie, Shirlene and husband Joe Griffis, Elton and Shelly. As well as 12 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and one great great grandson.
In lieu of flowers the family asks donations be made to the NRA @ donate.nra.org.