Burrell Ray Bowen, Jr.

Burrell “Ray” Bowen, Jr. of South Boston passed away on Thursday, December 1, 2022, at the age of 69. He was born on January 25, 1953, in Danville, VA, to the late Burrell Ray Bowen, Sr. and the late Christina Thompson Bowen and was married to Bonnie Whitlow Bowen, who survives.

Ray was a member of Hitesburg Baptist Church. He worked for many years as an auto mechanic, as well as being an active member of the Hyco Road Ruritan Club. He served two terms as the Dan River District governor and traveled throughout the district supporting clubs with pig-picking fundraisers. Ray was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing, as well as telling tall tales about his experiences.

In addition to his wife, Ray is survived by his children, Brian Chandler (Aleta), Leeann Thornton (Rob) and Riley Chandler (Heather) as well as grandchildren, Austin Chandler, Natalie Chandler, Rachel Thornton, Blake Thornton, and Kira Chandler; sister in law, Joyce Hull (David); and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, December 10 at Hitesburg Baptist Church. Internment will follow. The Reverend Ian Rigney will officiate the service. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall after the internment.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Hitesburg Baptist Church, 2215 Hitesburg Church Road, Virgilina, VA 24598 or to the Hyco Road Ruritan Club, c/o Wayne Bowen, 3149 Rip Rap Road, Virgilina, VA 24598.