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Funeral: 11 a.m. Saturday, April 12, 2014 at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Visitation: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, April 12, 2014 at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
William Charles Bowen, age 72, of Hilton Head, S.C., formerly of Olney, Illinois, died Sunday, April 6, 2014, at Hilton Head Regional Medical Center.
Bill was born in Flora, Illinois on December 13, 1941 to Donald and Olive Smith Bowen, and grew up at Charlie Brown Park, where his parents were the caretakers. He graduated from Flora High School(’60) and Murray State University on a tennis scholarship, winning the Ohio Valley Conference tennis championship. While at MSU, Bill also received the Athletic Academic Award. One of his most prestigious tennis awards was when he was initiated into Frog Island Tennis Club by Kayo Powless as Oscar4dice.
Bill thereafter graduated from the University of Kentucky Law School, where he became an avid (some say rabid) Kentucky Wildcat fan. Bill moved to Olney, Illinois, where he practiced law for many years. Upon retiring Bill moved to Hilton Head Island, where his last position was “da mayor” of the Beach Club, alongside K-dog (the official mascot), and being much loved by his “constituents.”
Bill is survived by his wife of 49 years, Patsy Dixon Bowen, two daughters, Julie (Rob) Colvis, and Dawn (Jamie) Turner, and three grandsons, Luke and Clark Turner, and Jack Colvis, all of Paducah, Kentucky. He is also survived by several nieces and a nephew.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2014 at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the funeral home. The family will gather to visit with all friends and family at Anthony's Restaurant immediately after the service. A private burial will occur at North Ballard Missionary Baptist Church in Wickliffe, Kentucky. Memorial donations may be made to Frog Island Tennis Club and will be received at the funeral home. An online guest book is available at www.frankandbright.com
Jul 21, 1931 - Nov 18, 2024
Nov 15, 1940 - Nov 9, 2024
Sep 5, 1961 - Oct 31, 2024
Nov 14, 1941 - Oct 30, 2024
Nov 28, 1936 - Oct 29, 2024
I shall so miss Bill. You miss all that pass; but some take your breath away. He always treated me with kindness. He was always there when I needed help. You wake each morning knowing those you most love are in your life. Then one morning; they are not. I wish comfort and understanding to his immediate family and to his many friends.
"Oscar" I have been thinking this morning of all the times and experiences we had together on and off the tennis court. You making me come to Sunday school class every Sunday when our high school tennis team went undefeated for 3 1/2 years. This really hurts. Judie and I want Patsy, Julie, Dawn and their families to know that they are foremost in our thoughts and prayers. I take some comfort in knowing you are in good hands now. The "MAYOR" of FrogIsland has probably already lined you up for doubles this week. I'll be along one of these days. Save me a spot on the team. Your old FrogIsland doubles partner. "Bullard"
I know I am getting old when my friends start dying. Although we were often adversaries in Court, we were friends before and afterwards since about 1983. I came to Hilton Head over many winters to see Da mayor. Some laughingly called you stingy and you reveled in that, but I know you bought many rounds for me and others. It just won't be the same without your rascal character to liven up the group. In your honor, I will even route for UK tonight for its biggest fan. You will be missed by many.
Oscar, it hurts to lose you. As the third member of the 'Big Three" that went undefeated for those years, I well remember our battles that you almost always won. I so admired your joy for living. You lived a full life and left a wonderful legacy. You will be missed. Shorty Carlyle
Our sincere sympathy to Patsy and her girls, Julie and Dawn, and rest of family. In time may only wonderful memories of Bill ease your sadness. Love, Janet (Schack) and Phil Carlock 1705 Coronita Drive Fenton, MO 63026-2345
I knew Bill when he lived in Olney. I came home after my 30 days on the towboat expecting to see Bill in our local Elk's Lodge. Another local told me he had moved out of state. I always enjoyed talking with Bill as he made me feel like I was someone. I think he also enjoyed hearing about my life on the big river. Rest in peace Bill and I hope to see you around the bend on the other side.
A profound loss has come upon me and other former members of the Murray State Tennis Community. As a former roommate, team mate, and lifetime friend, I have always known Bill aka "Spear" to be a compassionate and generous person, yet a fierce competitor. Bill and I shared my good times, laughs, and cries. We have stayed close in recent years by sharing E-Mails and our mutual dislike for our President. Patsy, Julie, and Dawn: You are all in my prayers, and you share my greatest condolences. I love you....Oscar, and I will dedicate the remainder of my coaching career to you. Tom Higgins
I selected a candle for you my friend--that's because they did not have Budweiser. See you later!!!
When I first moved to Hilton Head 9 years ago I didn't know a soul, and was a bit apprehensive. Then I saw the University of Kentucky (my alma mater) flag proudly displayed on the house next door, and I knew everything would be alright. Little did I know then what a profound impact the owner of that flag would have on my transition to my new life here on Hilton Head. Bill was a beacon of light for me....always happy and positive with his "pithy" comments that made me laugh. I only knew him for 9 years, but I will miss him forever.
Bill, The Beachclub will never be the same. You will be truly missed by many. Love and Prayers to your lovely family. Debbie & Jack
I was fortunate to be a neighbor of Bill and Patsy's on Otter Road, he was always so much fun and always had nothing but a kind word to say to anyone he would meet and usually a funny line. I am saddened to hear of Bill's passing. I know that anyone that met Bill was better for it and everyone knows that. Sincerely, Rick
Our thoughts and prayers are with Patsy and the family. Bill was the light that was the Beach Club and we are all the better for having known him. His humor was contagious and how we loved the costumes! Rest in peace, Bill. This Bud is for you! Jerry and Sharon Moskwiak Ann Arbor, MI
Bill was my friend, from law school to Hilton Head. I rediscovered Bill in Hilton Head and a highlight of my vacations in Hilton Head was to meet Bill at the Beach Club for a afternoon of comaraderie. Hilton Head will never be the same for me.
I will miss my True Friend! RIP Bill!
Julie and family Sharon and i are really sorry for your loss of the hog dog frog catcher of frog island. We remember the good times when we lived in flora and Bill would come by never knew when he was going to show up but we always looked forward to it. We were looking forward to seeing you in Paducah. I also remember the good times at Murray and watching Bill play tennis. Sharon's mom still lives in Lone Oak.
So sorry to have a wonderful man leave our world! Prayers to the Bowen family co
Bill sure loved life. He will be missed by so many. We are so sorry for your loss, but we know you have so many memories that will bring much comfort. Our sympathies to your family.
I met Bill 8 years ago at the Sea Pines beach club and became friends immediately became friends. He was a fixture of my vacation twice a year and I can't imagine being there without him! I am going in May and will honor him some way with my friend, Gary, while we're we're there! Althought I honor him now! Go rest high my dear friend!
It seems that I knew Bill forever when visiting Hilton Head. We would meet at the Beach Club in the afternoon and then I would be riding my bike back in the dark. Bill, you were a good friend and I will miss those fun times with you.
I am sad today to hear of your passing. I fondly remember your love of country music and your random "a rose is but a rose" quotes, but most of all, your kind heart, i.e. allowing an elderly woman to pay her legal fees with paper bags full of fresh green beans from her garden and your words of advice to me. Prayers for your family in this difficult time. "
When my wife and I purchased our house in Sea Pines about ten years ago we of course did not know anyone. We went to the Beach Club and the very first person we met was Bill. I remember him introducing himself and asking " where are you'all from" , when I said Horse Cave, KY he lit up and the friendship was established. On each visit we always were welcomed by him and he made us feel " at home " . His extreme kindness to mankind was expressed in his eyes and smile , he was so special to us and things will never be the same on the deck at the Beach Club, but because of him, his kind spirit will still welcome us there and we will sense his presence. May God be with his family and friends and let's all give thanks for his time on this planet and what he meant to each of us..."Rest in Peace , Bill " sincerely, Billy and Debra Goodman - Horse Cave , KY.
"God Bless you Bill "
To the family of Bill. Really glad to have met such a special man. He left a legacy of how to treat mankind and how to enjoy life doing it. He will be missed. We are praying for the comfort of the creator for you all.
Mayor: You were such a great guy. You made us feel so good always letting us know where you would be at happy hour with Kaylee. The highlight of our visits to Hilton Head was linking up with you and Patsy at the beach club and just enjoying the island and friends.
Dear Patsy, We are so, so sad for you, Julie and Dawn and the family. Our hearts and prayers are with you . Much love, Jenny and Carroll
We are shocked and sorry to hear about the passing of Bill. We will miss seeing him at the Beach Club in the afternoon when we visit Hilton Head. We May peace and love be with all family and friends of Bill. The Lacy Family
Peace be with all Family & Friends of Bill. He was one of my favorite cousins & will be missed by all who had shared his fun loving ways. I see all the Bowen Brothers in his face & I'm sure my Father Dale Bowen would agree. Memories will help heal & can never be taken away. Rest in peace "cuz". See u later into the future. Your cousin, Janet
Godspeed, Bowen...I'll always remember you.
I was shocked and sorry to hear about the passing of my ole M.S.U. tennis teammate and buddy, Bill. My friendship with Bill and our wonderful tennis experiences made my stay at M.S.U. much more enjoyable and memorable. He was a fierce competitor, a good sport and a great friend. "Spear's" photo with our M.S.U. tennis teams rests on the mantle of the cabin which Hig and I own in Lyon Co.---and we were very proud to have him as a friend and teammate. Please accept my most sincere condolences. Jerry
Wild Willie! Too soon gone. Have a wonderful trip. See you in the club house.
A WONDERFULL AND FUN MAN,I WILL MISS HIM. BOB "HILTON HEAD"
I am so sorry for your lost. When I first met Bill, 2002, he was friendly and for the time I spent there he was always that way and I greatly appreciated his efforts,and hi sense of humor. I know he will be missed my many.
Our thoughts and prayers are with family and friends...we love Bill he was such a good person to call a friend. Rena, Kassie and Katie
Julie, very sorry to hear about your Dad. Like I mentioned before, I felt like I got to know him through your Facebook posts. He sure sounded like quite a guy. Please take care. The Poland Family
Bowen....as a charter member of the South End Gang you stayed true to your colors and focused on the important things in life: baseball cards and bicycles. And worse, now I'll never know what you saw in the Cleveland Indians.
Patsy, Julie, Dawn and extended family, we are so sorry for your loss. We know when Bill meets St. Peter he will extend his hand and say "Hi, I'm Bill, how do you like me so far?" He will be missed by all who knew him.
We are sorry for this sudden lose our prayers are with you in this time of sorrow
Patsy, I am so sorry for your loss. I just found out about Bill's passing yesterday and couldn't make it to Flora this morning. Please contact me if you have the opportunity. I would love to speak with you again. It's been a very long time, it seems since last we saw each other. Sheila sends her condolences also and is the one that informed me of Bill's passing. Again, I'm so sorry for your loss and pray that God will comfort you and your family. Steve
Bill was a good friend to many and will be sorely missed. He was such a wonderful spirit and enjoyed an ever growing circle of friends at the Sea Pines beach club. He will surely be missed and never forgotten. Prayers and sympathy to Patsy and the family.
I'm sorry for your loss, Patsy. I wish I had got to know you both better, always considered joining you at the Kentucky Derby. Don and Judy
Our deepest sympathy to his wife and family. Our visits to Hilton Head will not be the same without him. We will miss him
So sorry for your loss Julie, Patsy, and Dawn. I have lot of memories growing up across the street from u guys. My thought our with u.
I was looking up information for my family's trip to Hilton Head and saw were the Mayor had passed. I was so looking forward to seeing Bill again. As a fellow Kentuckian who shared a love for UK, Hilton Head, and the Beach Club I can honestly say he will be missed during our annual visits. They should make a shrine for Bill at the new Beach Club. It will never be the same. Rest in peace my friend and Go Big Blue!
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
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