Robert Lewis Bowden

Robert dedicated 42 faithful years to EPES Transport Systems before retiring, but his greatest joys were found beyond the workplace. He loved the simple pleasures, casting a line at a quiet fishing hole, watching westerns, scratching off lottery tickets, and always keeping an eye out for something sweet. Whether mowing a neighbor's lawn just because it needed it or sharing a laugh with family, Robert lived life fully, one small joy at a time.
He also had a deep love for baseball, long rides to visit loved ones, and teaching anyone willing to learn, especially when it came to cars. With a gift for storytelling and a porch chair always ready for conversation, Robert's life wasn't measured by titles or timelines. The real stories were written at the water's edge, under the hum of a ballgame, beside a car hood, or in the quiet comfort of family and friends.
He is reunited in peace with his beloved wife, Bertha C. Bowden; his parents, David L. Bowden and Sallie Liza Arrington; brothers Eddie Lee Bowden and David Earl Bowden; sister Carolyn Faye Bowden Strickland; his children Ronald Lee Bowden, Bobby Bowden, and Lela Mae Bowden; his great-grandchild Kashanti T. Bowden; and his nephew Mark Bowden.
Those left to carry on his memory include his son, Durand Bailey; his loving daughter, Cora Bowden; beloved brother Bobbie Bowden; devoted sisters Dorothy Bowden (Surritt), Susie B. Bowden (Trader), Lucille Bowden (Collin), Bernice Bowden (Whitted), Ivy Lynn Bowden (Hazelwood), Sallie Mae Bowden (Williams), and Annie B. Bowden; Mike Whittington and Len Bullock, close friends who were like brothers; along with cherished in-laws, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will deeply miss his warmth, humor, and kind-hearted soul.
In true Robert fashion, he'll be laid to rest in a "Gone Fishing" shirt and hat, pole by his side, ready for his next great catch.
His life was a gentle reminder to enjoy the simple things, laugh when you can, lend a hand when no one asks, and never pass up dessert. We'll miss him dearly, but if you're ever sitting on a porch with a fishing tale and a slice of pound cake, you'll know he's right there with you.
Services
Public Viewing/walk through
Wednesday
June 11, 2025
1:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Sharpe Funeral Home, Inc,
520 Rosenwald St.
Burlington, NC 27217
Wake-with the Family present
Thursday
June 12, 2025
12:30 PM to 1:00 PM
Sharpe Funeral Home, Inc,
520 Rosenwald St.
Burlington, NC 27217
Funeral Service
Thursday
June 12, 2025
1:00 PM
Sharpe Funeral Home, Inc,
520 Rosenwald St.
Burlington, NC 27217
Entombment following the Services
Alamance Memorial Park
4039 S. Church St.
Burlington, NC 27215