James "Ray" Bowman

James “Ray” Bowman, age 82 went home to be with his Savior the Lord Jesus Christ on Saturday November 4 2023, at Frye Regional Medical Center surrounded by his family and his pastor. He was born in Alexander County on May 10, 1941, to Prater and Dora Bowman.

Ray loved the Lord, his family, and his church. He was a member of Freedom Baptist Church for 50 years. He was still serving as treasurer up until he passed away. He also served as a deacon and a Sunday School teacher for many years. Ray enjoyed painting, drawing, and was an avid sports fan.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Calvin Lee Bowman, his precious son, James “Douglas” Bowman, his great grandson Tyler Bowman and by his very special nephew, Christopher Cline.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Charlotte Bowman. His sisters, Mary Helen Cline and husband Larry and Barbara Hollar, his daughters, Sherrie Preslar and husband Jimmy, April Johnson and husband Nick Johnson, and his daughter in law Betty Bowman whom he loved as his own daughter. His six grandsons, Daniel Bowman, Seth Bowman, Ryan Preslar, Derek Preslar, Blake Johnson and Owen Johnson. His great-grandchildren, Donavan Bowman, Easton Bowman, Bonny Bowman, Walker Bowman and one on the way, Andy Bowman.

Visitation for Ray will be held Tuesday November 7, 2023, at Freedom Baptist Church in Granite Falls from 2:00 pm to 2:45 pm. The funeral service will follow Tuesday November 7, 2023, at Freedom Baptist Church at 3:00 pm. Pastor Jobie Borders and Pastor Nick Johnson will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Seth Bowman, Ryan Preslar, Derek Preslar, Blake Johnson, Owen Johnson, and Eddie Hollar. Honorary pallbearers will be Daniel Bowman, Eric Hollar, and David Hollar.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Carolina Caring at, 3975 Robinson Rd Building 3, Suite A, Newton, NC 28658

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Alexander Funeral and Cremation Service.

Condolences may be sent to www.alexfuneralservice.com