Benjamin Taliaferro Bowdre Jr.

Benjamin Taliaferro Bowdre, Jr. died peacefully on Thursday, June 15, 2017. Ben was born on July 24, 1920 and would have turned 97 in July. He was the son of the late Elizabeth Birch Bowdre and Benjamin Taliaferro Bowdre.

Ben attended Darlington School for Boys, graduating in 1939 and graduated from Mercer University, Class of 1943. He was Treasurer of Juliette Milling Company, a family textile business, for many years. Ben was also a partner in Juliette Holdings.

Ben was a long time member of Mulberry Methodist Church, where his family worshipped for three generations. Ben’s family and friends considered him to be a “gentleman and a scholar,” interested in many things, and always having a good sense of humor. He played tennis as a young man on the clay courts of Baconsfield Park and continued his interest in tennis until his death. Ben started ballroom dancing lessons at the age of 66 and won many trophies in competitive events. His hobbies and interests included photography, reading, and genealogy. Ben built a boat from naval architectural plans in his backyard. He enjoyed many fishing trips with his brother, John Bowdre, who predeceased him in 2015.

Ben enjoyed planning annual trips around the world. He was thankful that he was able to visit so many countries during his lifetime. He was an Anglophile and usually included London in every trip.

Ben is survived by his niece, Rebecca Bowdre Winkel (Terry); his two nephews, John Neville Birch Bowdre, Jr. (Karon) and Charles Scaife Bowdre, his two great nephews, John (Beau) Neville Birch Bowdre, III (Cayla) and Alexander Barrett Bowdre, and his sister-in-law, Becky Watson Bowdre.

The family would like to express deep appreciation to his housekeeper, Hattie Strong, and the caretakers from Home Instead, for their loving and devoted care until his death. Appreciation also goes to Pine Pointe Hospice for their support during his last days.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 17 at 3:00 p.m. at Mulberry United Methodist Church Chapel with the Rev. Jimmy Towson officiating. The family will greet friends following the service. Burial will be private at Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Mulberry Street United Methodist Church, 719 Mulberry St., 31201; Macon Outreach Ministry at Mulberry, 267 First St., 31201; or the charity of the donor’s choice.

Visit www.snowsmacon.com to express condolences.

Snow’s Memorial Chapel, Cherry Street, has charge of arrangements.