My Dad was born in the Dan River Section of Ararat - Patrick County, VA, at the foot of the Appalachian/Blue Ridge Mountains, on May 8, 1912. Last of 5 children born to William Preston Bowman and his first wife Geneva Bethel Young Bowman. Dropped out of school in the 7th grade and moved to Mt. Airy, NC, to support the family. In 1928 he worked for Mt. Airy Chair Co. and lived nearby at 113 Houston Street. Joined Haymore Memorial Baptist Church in Mt. Airy and was baptized on January 1, 1928. At church he met my mom Stella Poore. When he was 20, and Mom was 17, they married at the Independence, VA courthouse by Rev. C.R. Cooley on August 9, 1930. They lived with her parents Walter and Ida Poore for about 10 years at 152 North Main St. in Mt. Airy. He once was the Assistant Manager of Gibson's Ice Cream Parlor in Mt. Airy. For a short time, TV star Andy Grifith worked for him at the ice cream shop after school, when Andy was in high school. Worked for Roses Dime Store in VA. Beach, VA in the early 1940's. Loved his country. Served in the Navy in WW II and also in the Korean conflict. At the end of WW II a family was started. Three children - Linda Scott in 1944, William Jerry in 1946, and David Poore in 1955. In 1950 he hired his brother in law Roscoe Hiatt to build his home on Linville Rd. in Mt. Airy. About 1950 he was an usher at Haymore Baptist Church. Later he became a deacon. In 1948 and into the 1950's he was employed by Warren Distribution Company in Mt. Airy, selling candy and other products to country stores in Surry County and surrounding areas. Once served at Vice President of Parkway Insurance in Mt. Airy. In 1960 he formed his own business - Scott Distributing Company, selling candy, chips, nabs, and many other things to country stores in Surry County and surrounding areas. He was affectionately known as "The Candy Man." In 1971 he retired due health - emphysema due to smoking. Loved his home, wife, children, relatives, customers, and The Lord. He worked hard six days a week and strived daily to accomplish what is right in life. He was a kind, loving, and friendly man. Never met a stranger. Enjoyed many things in life including attending church, American Legion meetings, visiting people, gardening, horseshoes, rook, coin collecting, fishing, the beach, and taking care of his home. He strived very hard to take care of his family and their needs. in 1995, he was diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent radiation treatments. Dad died June 20, 1996 at the age of 84 at his home on Linville Rd. in Mt. Airy, due to heart failure. Burial was in Oakdale Cemetary.

This information is provided by his oldest son, William Jerry Bowman of Greenville, SC and posted on his birthday - May 8, 2023.... Happy Birthday Daddy! I miss you so!......