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1140 West Lynchburg-Salem Turnpike (Rt 221/460)
Bedford, Virginia
Christopher BOWYER Obituary
"C-Bow" Bowyer
Christopher Blake "C-Bow" Bowyer, 18, of Bedford went to his heavenly home on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008. He was born Tuesday, Oct. 3, 1989, in Bedford County, a son of Martin Blake Bowyer and Wanda Amos Bowyer and the big brother of Joshua Aaron Bowyer, all of Bedford. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Rosa Ann Bowyer, and an uncle, Stacy W. Arrington.
He was a 2008 graduate of Jefferson Forest High School, where he excelled academically as well as being an outstanding athlete in football and wrestling. He loved playing football, wrestling, weightlifting and hunting. He loved his Lord and was a devoted Christian and a member of Nicopolis United Methodist Church. He was a son to be very proud of in every aspect of his life. He had many friends that he cared deeply for.
In addition to his mother, father and brother, he is survived by his paternal grandfather, Bernard M. Bowyer of Bedford; his maternal grandparents, Bernard W. Arrington and Brenda A. Arrington of Bedford; his aunts, Mary Ann Kidd and husband, Steve, and their children, Heather Witt, Brett Witt and Joshua Kidd, Deborah Bennett and husband, Troy, and their children, Shawn Bennett and Amber Bennett, Lisa Vaughan and her children, Derek Comer, Haley Comer and Lesley Comer, Denise Walker and friend, Tom Keenes, and her son, Wayne Walker; uncle, Berni Arrington and wife, Aundrea, and their children, Holly Arrington and Danya Gibbs; a special friend, Ray Shelton; as well as many, many other special friends. He is loved by many and will be missed deeply.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, 2008, at Nicopolis United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Bill Burleigh and the Rev. Steve Parker officiating. Interment will follow in Nicopolis United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4 to 7:30 p.m. today, Aug. 9, 2008, at Updike Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Bedford.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Christopher BOWYER
Angie Ottinger
August 19, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss. My nephew Jacob played football with Chris and he always talked highly of Chris. You will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Jason Giglio
August 16, 2008
Wanda, Blake,
I was shocked to hear about your loss. Please call or email me if you want to talk or if you need anything.
Sharon McKinney
August 16, 2008
Wanda,
I am so shocked and saddened to hear of your loss. May God bless you and your family at this time.
Sharon Tibbs McKinney
Shang Stanley
August 13, 2008
Blake and family,
Our family wishes to give you our condolences in this the sadest of times. May God grant to you the peace that passes all understanding and bring to you a better understanding of his will.
The Stanley Family
Jeff,Virginia,Sean & Merideth Baird
August 13, 2008
To the Bowyer Family,
We are deeply saddened by your tremendous loss. Our son Sean was so looking foward to being Christopher's room mate at Virginia Tech. Christopher told Sean he was also looking forward to moving in. There seemed to be a bond even before they met. Sean is devastated by this tragic turn of events. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Do not hesitate to contact us.
Linda Foster
August 13, 2008
To the Bowyer Family,
May God be with you during this time of grief. I know there are no words that will fill the emptiness in your heart right now, but we want you to grow in comfort, strength and peace everyday knowing Chris was a great person. The whole Forest community is proud of his accomplishments. Everyone is here for you if you need us.
Lisa & David Mitchell
August 12, 2008
Our deepest sympathies over the tragic loss of Christopher. We will always remember him as a very bright, talented, respectful, handsome, family oriented, religious young man. David has mentioned many times over the years just how proud of Christopher he was and what a good job you both have done in raising your boys. I agree. May you find strength from your faith and from within each other. Know that we love you guys and we are here for you if you should need us. We will continue to pray for you and your families. God Bless...
crystal (bryant)painter
August 12, 2008
Wanda and family ,
I was so saddened when I heard of Chris's passing. I remember at our high school reunion how you you talked of him with such admiration.My daughter Alex graduated with Chris and told me that he was such a devoted person to his friends,acedemics and sports -he always gave 110%.You raised quite a young man and you should be proud.Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ricky&Deborah Jones
August 11, 2008
Our son wrestles for Forest Middle School Ricky Jones Jr. We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We did not find out until Sunday night at our church during prayer requests.
Ricky & Deborah Jones\Family
August 11, 2008
chris you will be missed by all we still love you and always and will our prayers are with the boywer family. <333
Kenneth Anderson
August 11, 2008
My condolences goes out to the Bowyer family. I was Chris first football coach at Forest Recreation for 2 years. He was one of the best kids i have ever coached. His smile, attitude has stuck with me for the last 11 years. I have kept up with all my boys and especially Chris through the newspaper. I bragged about him all the time out here in California. Remembering all the memories we shared together. Especially the Roanoake Super Bowl and Forest Red Championship team. Lil Kenny and I will always keep the Bowyer family in our prayers. We love you and will miss C Bow. He will always have a place in our hearts. His picture still is on my wall with the awards we won together. Love you guys
Jenni Pitts
August 11, 2008
Dear Family,
I did not know Christopher nor do I know your family.But I am a mother of two with a son starting High School this year.I am very sorry for your loss and may God bless you all and see you through this time.
Dorinda Anderson
August 11, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all....I know Chris was a well-loved kid. We knew him from wrestling from way back from about 5th grade on...My son, Tyler Anderson wrestles for Brookville. I know that Chris had a lot of friends far and near. He will be missed terribly. My heart goes out to his parents and I pray every night for them that their pain will somehow ease, with time. We all have to be at peace with this, only thinking of the fact that Chris is in a far better place now. God bless all of you!!
Dorinda and Tyler Anderson
Aundrea Arrington
August 11, 2008
Our hearts and minds will forever will full of precious memories. Wanda and Blake, you should be very proud of having raised such a remarkable young man. Joshua, we know how very proud Christopher was of you, he was bragging on you just last week. We are here for you all anytime. All our love to you.
Berni, Aundrea & Danya
Peter, Janice, & Brett Yule
August 11, 2008
Bowyer Family,
Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this sad time. We didn't know Chris personally, but our son graduated with him in June. We attended the Awards Ceremony at JF and saw what an outstanding student and athlete he was. We also remember watching many football games where he was a key member of the team. He will be greatly missed.
Heather Smith
August 11, 2008
Dear Blake, Wanda & Joshua,
Many thoughts come to mind with our families...of course football from FYAA up till just the other night as we watched Josh wear Christophers #50 in the scrimmage. We all know he was beaming down on Josh, saying "That's my little brother, hit em Josh!" Wanda-you, Sherri and myself have been known to be a LITTLE loud supporting our boys be it football or wrestling. I have thought several times that you would put that camera down and get on the mat and take a ref down...look out! Keith and Cody as you well know admire Christopher and valued any and everything he ever told them. They have such wonderful memories of the time they have spent with him. Dropping Keith on his head in the JF gym, the numerous times I thought Cody would go flying somewhere due to Chris trying to get me all worked up and Cody loving the attention Chris showered him with. Josh-know that the lessons and things Chris taught and shared with you will make stronger. He loved you so much. The perfect little brother...rotten and fiesty, but he could not have been prouder to be your big brother. Blake-what a wonderful role model you were to Chris and to are to Josh. He looked up to you-you could just see it when he looked your way. Wanda-a Mother's love is forever. Chris was not our son, but I know there are many "Moms" out there that ache for you and the pain you are feeling. He will always be looking down on you all. As we all know, he did not ever want to hurt anyone-even as intimidating as he may have been on the fb field or wrestling mat, he was a big teddy bear. I miss his hugs and beautiful smile. We love you and will forever be there...Rob, Heather Smith~Keith and Cody Loveday
The Ennis family
August 11, 2008
The Bowyer family,
We did not know your son, but we just learned of his passing through the wrestling world. We just want you to know that our hearts go out to you. We saw your son wrestle and he was an outstanding wrestler. We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers. We are so very sorry for your loss.
Samantha Clingenpeel
August 11, 2008
I didnot know Chris but my son wrestled for Forest B-team and talked very highly of the family. I am at a loss for words for this world has lost a future star but heaven has gained another angel. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bill, Samantha, Jordan, & Jade Clingenpeel
Dale Swain
August 11, 2008
Dear Blake and Wanda:
I am sorry to hear about Chris. I didn’t know him personally, but it only took one look to know he was Blake’s son!
I always enjoyed the intensity Chris brought to the football field and the same intensity Wanda displayed in the stands. I know you are both very proud of Chris and all he accomplished.
Take comfort in knowing he is in a better place now.
Crissie Abell
August 10, 2008
Dear Blake, Wanda, and Joshua:
Chris will always be one of my favorite students. I kept up with all of his achievements in sports and school. I brag all the time that I taught him in the 5th grade. I cannot begin to imagine your pain. Please know you are in my prayers. Scott and Porter also send their deepest sympathy.
Laura Collier
August 10, 2008
To Bowyer Family,
As a member of the Forest Community my deepest sympathy in the loss of your son.
Mrs. Shawne Dunham
August 10, 2008
Dear Bowyer Family, I didn't know Chris but my son, who is also a 2008 JF graduate, had met Chris a few times. He said that he knew Chris to be the kind of guy "who always had your back" and "would do anything for you". How proud you must be of him. Our family is forever sorry for your loss.
Sharon Zimmerman
August 10, 2008
Wanda,
My heart cries for you.
Dianne Spradlin Nichols
August 9, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Catie Crank
August 9, 2008
To the Bowyer family...
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I am still in shock about it. I have known Christopher since kindergarden and he and I rode the bus together all through elementary school and middle school and he was an amazing person. He was an awesome football player and a great wrestler and an all around good person and he's going to be missed more then he will ever know. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
dennis coffey
August 9, 2008
blake and wanda
i really am at a loss for words,,i have known you for quite a few years and always thought the world of you both. I kept up with chris through newspaper articles and it made me proud to know you,,,you are just good people with good hearts and my phone and door are always open to you,,,you all are in my thoughts and prayers
Ricky Croft & Family
August 9, 2008
Wanda and family,
We are praying for you guys and know that our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Tatyana Wright
August 9, 2008
To the bowyer family i was very shocked to hear the news of chris passing he was a very good friend to have in school. I first meet chris in 11th grade he was my powerpuff coach and he made things soo fun. im glad i got 2 meet a friend like him. My prayers go out to your family chris was very loved by everybody
Danielle Plomaritas
August 9, 2008
Bowyer Family-
I was Chris's student teacher in anatomy this past year. He was a remarkable young man whom I respected and admired, as did his peets. I pray that God keeps you close during this time.
Teresa & Derek Wilcher
August 9, 2008
Dear Bowyer family, Derek and I were both devastated and hurt when we heard the news about Chris. I can not even began to imagine what your family is going through. We are thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers. I will always remember whenever Dereks team (rec, and Liberty) played Chris' team you could always look across the field to the other side and spot and hear you over everyone else, Wanda! Please try to remember those great times, for I am sure he is playing football with some great hereos where he is now.
Heidi and Cara Hannell
August 9, 2008
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all at this time. May God's presence be at your side.
Bryan and Sherry Beemer
August 9, 2008
We are so saddened by the loss of Chris. Our thoughts are with you and your entire family.
Evelyn (McKinney) Huffman
August 9, 2008
To the Bowyer Family, Brenda & Wayne,
I am saddened to hear of the loss of your son and grandson. May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories and may God's love surround you now and in the difficult days ahead.
Susan, Ron & Jarrett Payne
August 9, 2008
Dear Wanda, Blake and Josh,
Our hearts ache for you, we have known, cheered for and loved Chris for the past 9 years. He colored our lives in more ways than words can express.
Love,
June & Christine & Jon Kelly
August 9, 2008
Dear, Bowyer Family our thoughts, prayers, and hearts go out to you. May God be with you especially through this tough time and always.
Sincerely,
The Kellys
Sherry Nash (family of ryan nash)
August 9, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
June & Christine Kelly
August 9, 2008
Chris we did not know you very well, but we enjoyed watching you wrestle and you will be very missed. Jon talked of you often about good memories he had with you.
Jon Kelly
August 9, 2008
You will be very missed by me and my family. We all love you and you will always be in our thoughts.
Father Steve McNally
August 9, 2008
Dear Wanda, Blake and Joshua,
I am so sorry to have met you all under such painful circumstances. Your precious son Chris was known and loved by many of the youth of my parish and their families. He will have a special remembrance at our Church this weekend.
May the God who made Chris in His own image an likeness now welcome him into His kingdom of light, happiness and peace. May your faith in that same loving God be a source of strength and comfort in your loss.
Coach Lee Richardson
August 9, 2008
Chris was an awesome young man and wrestler. We will keep your entire family in our prayers.
Tina Barker
August 8, 2008
I am so sorry to hear about Christopher. I will be praying for you and your family, as I can only imagine what you are going through. If there is anything I can do for you please let me know.
Scott Wilkerson
August 8, 2008
Blake and Wanda, I'm trusting that the Lord will give you the strength to find peace through this time of grief. Chris will live in our hearts for eternity.
Patricia Smallwood
August 8, 2008
Wanda, it has been such a long time since i talked to you but I do remember the times Melissa, you and i had in the packing area at Piedmont Label. Some were good and some were bad but i do remember when your children was little that it wasnt anything that you wouldnt do for them. I am so sorry for this loss of your dear beloved son. I wished there was something i could say or do but their isnt . Its hard to replace a loved one you just have to remember that all of us will be together soon and that will be a joyous moment for all of us. Call me sometime if you just need to talk and someone to lean on.
JR& Nancy Amos
August 8, 2008
Wanda & Blake our hearts cry for you guys. We are so heart broken.Love you guys. God will get you thru this.
Great aunt and uncle JR
Teresa Craft
August 8, 2008
Wanda, I am so very sorry for your loss your in my thoughts and prayers,stand strong in the Lord he is there for you!
Shearl & Joyce Scott
August 8, 2008
We were so sad when we heard of Chris's passing and will continue our prayers for your family. If you need anything please give us a call.
Cindy Kanode
August 8, 2008
Blake and Wanda, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Hold to God's hands and he will carry you through this difficult time.
Kenny,Cindy & Kody Kanode
Penny Key Wilson
August 8, 2008
Wanda and Family, We were so sorry for your loss. We are lifting each and every one of you to God for comfort and peace. May God Bless you all.
Central Region Wrestler
August 8, 2008
I didn't know Bower personally, but watched him at states last year. He fought his way through like a Warrior. That's how I will remember him. God Bless his family and friends.
Jamie Moseley
August 8, 2008
I can't believe you are gone. We had some great times together that I will never forget. You will be missed by anyone and everyone that has ever met you. There was a presence about you that just drew people to you. We are all going to miss you. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family, may they find peace in their hearts for this tremendous loss. Rest in peace my friend <3
Donald and Wanda Goodman
August 8, 2008
Dear Blake and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tabitha and Shannon Phillips
August 8, 2008
There are no words that can bring any amount of comfort to you at this time. We are sending our deepest sympathy and our loving prayers to you and your family. He was such a great kid and will always be in our heart! If there is anything that we can do for you please let us know. We love you all and are here for you!!!!
Elizabeth Shepherd
August 8, 2008
Christopher will be greatly missed, our Family will remember yours in our prayers.
Shannon & Mike Padgett
August 8, 2008
We are so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
PATRICIA MONTEITH
August 8, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.
Melinda Phillips
August 8, 2008
Dear Wanda & family,
I was sick when I heard the news and have been praying for you and your family ever since. Give your pain and grief to God, he loves you and wants to comfort you during this difficult time. You also know you have many friends who are very concerned about each of you. I have heard many people say they have been holding each of you up in prayer after hearing about your loss. You have my continued prayers as well. Please call me any time; day or night or even in the middle of the night if you ever need an ear.
May God see you through,
Frank, Melinda and Travis Phillips
Tony Parker
August 8, 2008
Wanda, Blake and Josh
Know that our hearts are filled with sorrow for your loss. You guys are in our daily prayers. May God comfort and carry you through the days ahead.
Pat, Tony, Katie, Ethan and Michaela
HILDA WITT
August 8, 2008
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Becky Beemer
August 8, 2008
The entire Beemer family is numb with shock and grief. We loved our C-Bow. He gave Brandon many black eyes, bruises and sprains over the years in football and wrestling. I loved to watch Chris play football and wrestle along with my Brandon. When Chris won the super 32 wrestling Tournament, we were all so excited he won. We were cheering and clapping like crazy. Then Wanda ran down the bleachers and cold cocked me accidentally in the back of the head with the video camera!
She was so proud of Chris always!
Wanda, my thoughts and prayers are with you in this unbelievably difficult time. Chris was a rare teenager so intensely devoted to his sport, his academics and his family and friends. I respected him for all his accomplishments.
My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with his family and friends as we all grieve the loss of a truly special young man.
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