William Bowery

1939 - 2025

William Bowery

August 6, 1939 - September 21, 2025

William Samuel Bowery Sr "Bill" passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at the age of 86. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Henry and India Carter Bowery, along with one precious granddaughter, Shelby Layne Bowery.

Bill was born in New Kent County, graduated from New Kent High School, where he drove the school bus from his sophomore until his senior year, and it's where he lived until his last day. In his younger years, he was a member of the Civil Air Patrol at New Kent Airport. Bill was the last founding member of the Company 2 Volunteer Fire Department, serving eight years. He was also a part time Animal Control Warden for New Kent from 1966-1974. He served as a member of the New Kent Agricultural and Forestal District Committee from 1985-1995. His first job was with McIntrye Implement Company, employed as a Salesman. Later, he worked at MCV Hospital for 29 years, during this time he was employed for the MCV Police Department for nine years. He later went into Hospital Administration as a Hospital Superintendent, where he stayed until he took early retirement in 1991. After early retirement, Bill stayed home on the farm and began his own landscaping company. In August of 1992, he went to work for the New Kent County Sheriff's Department as a Deputy Sheriff for 13 years. He served as Chief Bailiff for Judge Thomas B. Hoover, Circuit Court.

Bill was also a lifelong member of Emmaus Baptist Church, where he served on the Building and Grounds Committee for many years. During this time, he was instrumental in seeing that the now ball field was established. He also accomplished what no one said could be done – he facilitated the installation of an air conditioning system in a 200-year-old sanctuary.

Bill worked two jobs for most of his life. He farmed for over twenty years while working in a full-time position in Richmond. He would drive into town for work and come home to farm until dark. Bill was up at dawn to milk the cows, care for other livestock, and then back to his next duties.

Finally, after his retirement from public work, he dedicated his full attention to his farm and family. He planted gardens and shared his fresh vegetables with neighbors and friends. He took time with his grandchildren, attending track meets, softball games and school plays. He was instrumental at having the timber cut, and the ball field constructed at its now present location. Bill lived a very wonderful, full life.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Betty Kirby Bowery; three children, Kelly Ann Bowery, William Samuel Bowery Jr "Sam" (Leslie), Roxanne Bowery Priest; three grandchildren, Riley Anne Hamlet, Madison Tate Hamlet, William Samuel Bowery III "Billy"; one great-grandchild, Weslynn Layne Brumfield; dearest friend and first cousin, Franklin R Carter "Frankie"; and one very special former son in law, with whom he remained close with, Christopher Boyd Hamlet.

The family would like to express sincerest gratitude to the caregivers that took care of Bill in the last few weeks.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, at Vincent Funeral Home, 9923 Pocahontas Trail, Providence Forge, Va. 23140. The funeral service will be held 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, at Emmaus Baptist Church, 6700 Emmaus Church Rd, Providence Forge, Va 23140. Burial will be in the church cemetery. There will be a reception following the graveside in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Emmaus Baptist Church, PO Box 533 Quinton VA 23141. Tributes may be posted at www.vincentfh.com.