Franklin – Richard Smith Bowen, 73, widower of Frances Edwards Bowen, died February 5, 2009 at Duke University Medical Center. Richard was born in Roxboro, NC, a son of the late Carl Leon and Hazel Smith Bowen and was also predeceased by a son, Richard S. Bowen, Jr., and two brothers, Phillip Bowen and Carl L. Bowen, Jr. He was a former National Guardsman and was retired from the Sheet Finishing Department of Union Camp Corporation. Richard had been an active member of Franklin Baptist Church, its Bruner Bible Class, and had served on the Usher Board and Board of Deacons. He was a lifetime member and former president of the Franklin Jaycees. He spent many years helping out in Cub Scout Troop 28 serving as Cubmaster. He loved spending his free time playing golf and getting together with friends at Parker Drug.
Survivors include two sons, Troy Wray Bowen and wife, Susan, of Durham, NC and Mark Alan Bowen of Mechanicsville; three grandchildren, Allyson, Kelli, and Noah Bowen; a half-brother, Marshall Bowen of Philadelphia; many special in-laws that were always like his own brothers and sisters; and nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be conducted at 2 pm Sunday in Franklin Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Richard Childress and the Rev. Sharon James officiating. Interment will follow at Poplar Spring Cemetery. The family will receive friends 7 to 8:30 pm Saturday (today) at Wright Funeral Home and suggests memorials be made to Franklin Baptist Church or a favorite charity. Condolences may be offered at www.wrightfuneralhome.org