Johnny R Bowen

     On August 17, 1945, Johnny Rufus Bowen, affectionately known to us as "JB," was born in McConnells, SC to the late James Madison and Thomasina Smith Bowen. He would be the first of eight children... THE LEADER OF THE PACK.
     After a courageous battle with his illness, at the age of 75, Johnny peacefully entered into his eternal rest on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at Capital Caring Health in Washington DC.
Johnny joined the Mt. Zion Baptist Church at a very early age and continued to be a faithful member before leaving for college. He would ride his bicycle from York to McConnells to attend Vacation Bible School during the summer. Throughout the years, Johnny has continued to have a GREAT LOVE for Mt. Zion.
     Johnny attended the public schools of York County. He was a 1962 graduate of Jefferson High School, where he participated in many extracurricular activities, such as Glee Club, Marching Band, Basketball and even earned BEST DRESSED during his senior year at JHS. Upon graduating from high school, Johnny attended and received is BA degree from Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, NC in 1966. Johnny later attended American University in Washington DC, where he received his Masters of Public Administration degree.
     Johnny enlisted in the United States Marines after graduating from JCSU, and served in the Vietnam War, where he received a Purple Heart after being wounded. After a short stay in Nashville, Tennessee, Johnny relocated to Washington, DC. It was there he met and married his wife of 45 years, Dena Black Bowen.
     Johnny was employed for thirty-five plus years with the Federal Government (GAO) as a Senior Audit Manager. Upon retirement, he devoted all of his time to his successful business, JRB Enterprises.
     Johnny loved FAMILY. He always made a special effort to present at all FAMILY gatherings and family trips. Johnny was a unique and humble person and has helped so many along the way.
During his high school years, Johnny decided to live with his paternal grandparents, Clarence and Ella Davidson Bowen, and there, developed a loving sister/brother relationship with his cousin, Yvonne B. Patton.
     Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Gilbert Smith Bowen.
     Those left to celebrate his life and be inspired by his legacy are his wife, Dena B. Bowen of Washington, DC; his only daughter, Kimberli Y. Bowen of York, SC; two sons, Jonathan H. Bowen and Jason D. Robinson both of Washington, DC; three grandchildren whom he loved and adored: Zoe, KaiVon and Qiana; three sisters, Ella L. Bowen of York, SC, Brenda B. Kennon (Charles) of McConnells, SC, and Nancy B. Kennon (Larry) of Rock Hill, SC; three brothers, James I. Bowen (Teresa) of Minneapolis, MN, Thomas P. Bowen and William C. Bowen both of York, SC; and one aunt, Myrtice Bowen of Decatur, GA. Let also with treasured memories are his many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A special THANK YOU to Freddy, JB's right hand with JRB Enterprises, and the friendship shared.
     Funeral services will be 12 noon graveside, Monday, March 15 at Mt Zion Baptist Church in McConnells, SC. The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm Sunday at the funeral home.

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