Velton Bowie, Jr. was born January 5, 1948 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas to Velton Sr. and Ophelia Bowie. Raised in the church and coming from a large family, Velton was a man of God that reflected his love of family. He was known for being an essential figure of support and confidant to his brothers, sisters, and the entire family. He was a devoted husband and a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who would often speak of his children and grandchildren with pride declaring his love and inner joy he had for each of them. He was the Patriarch of the family.
Velton graduated from Oliver High School and was a proud alumnus from his alma mater The University of Pittsburgh where he earned two degrees.
Velton had a great sense of humor, and he was known for being a true and lifelong friend. He loved sports and was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Velton was a great cook, and his specialty was his Korean dish, Galbi.
He was also a very private, humble and well-respected man. He held many honors including being the recipient of the Purple Heart from the U.S. Marine Corps after serving in the Vietnam War. Velton worked for the Pittsburgh Police Department where his badge was retired. Upon leaving the police department, he worked for the FBI as a Special Agent, where he was instrumental in solving organized crime and narcotics cases as well as the murdered and missing children of Atlanta in the 1980’s. He argued three cases in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. He was a member of the Prince Hall Freemasonry 16th Degree. He served as the Commander of Chapter 91/DAV of Decatur, Georgia where he recently received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Velton and Ophelia (Collins) Bowie, Sr.; brothers Clifton Bowie and James “Bimmie” Bowie; brother-in-law, Randolf Brockington; and his beloved furbaby, Koby.
Those left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 28 years, Dr. Alanna Bowie; children, Thomas “Tommy” Bowie, Rani Bowie-Kidwell (Jason), Garrett Bowie (Anita), Patrick Bowie (Jenn) and Niya Coulter (Mitchell); sisters, Beverly Bowie-Taylor (David), Karen Brockington; Janet Bowie, Joyce Selden Timmi Marie Bowie; and his aunt Iola Bowie; 18 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews; his beloved furbabies, Ziggy Mon and Sophie; as well as numerous other family members and a host of friends.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 10:00 AM until 12:00 Noon. The funeral service will follow at Noon in the Rosehaven Chapel with Pastor Gary Taylor officiating. He will be laid to rest in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Thoughts and condolences to the family may be shared online at www.whitleygarner.com.
Whitley-Garner at Rosehaven Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the services of Velton Bowie, Jr.
