Harley John Bowman

Harley John Bowman, 97, of Hickory passed away Thursday, November 16. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great- grandfather, and brother.

He was the son of the late Clyde Herbert Bowman and Cora Etta Starnes. Harley was a long-time member of Bethlehem Baptist Church.

He enjoyed gardening and distributing the produce to his neighbors and friends. He was always willing to help family and friends with electrical repairs, welding, roofing, plumbing, and other mechanical issues. Helping others and sharing gave him joy.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Margie Heavner Bowman, brother, James Bowman, and sister, Mary Lou Pennell.

Harley is survived by his sons, Gary Bowman and his wife Brenda (Kay); and Kim Bowman; daughter Kathy Hagaman and husband Alan; granddaughter Kaitlyn Hagaman; great-granddaughter Havannah Wilmoth; brother, Zeb Bowman; and sister, Emma Jane Davis.

A veteran of WWII, he served in the US Navy on the USS Tatum, (APD-81) as an ammunition handler. He was in service from November 1944 to March 1947. Much of his career was with General Electric, from which he retired after 38 years of service.

A celebration of life will be held at 2pm on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Bethlehem with Senior Pastor Dean Chambers officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1-1:45pm at the church prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Bethlehem Baptist Church Building Fund, 7500 NC 127 Hwy, Taylorsville, NC 28681.