Mr. Joseph Mitchell “Mitch” Bowen, age 80, of Blackshear, passed away Thursday night (6/25/20) at Memorial Satilla Health in Waycross following an extended illness.

Born March 30, 1940 in Blackshear, he was a son of the late Thomas Malachi and Etta Roberson Bowen. A lifelong resident of Pierce County, he was a 1958 graduate of Blackshear High School, never missing a day of school in all 12 years. He was a successful businessman, including being the former owner of the Amoco Station in Blackshear, a longtime vehicle salesman for Parrish Motors and Waters Ford, a partner in the former Dixon-Bowen-Taylor Funeral Home, an owner of Oak Plaza Restaurant, and had enjoyed working at Reeal Barbeque the past few years.

He served as the Chairman of the Pierce County Commission for a pair of non-consecutive terms including from 2002-2006 and from 2010-2014.

He was a member of Southgate Baptist Church but had also attended Truth Tabernacle in Blackshear.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Michael “Major” Blackshear; two sisters, Clara May Bowen and Margaret Votaw (husband Russell); 7 brothers, Walt Bowen (wife Thelma, Jack Bowen (wife Mae), Kent Bowen (wife Lavada), Bob Bowen, Cornelius Bowen, and Bud Bowen (wife Virginia), and Quincy Bowen (wife Mary).

Survivors include his wife, Norene Smith Bowen of Blackshear; daughter, Michelle Flynn (husband Bobby) of Blackshear; son, Mike Blackshear (Lori) of Blackshear; step-daughter, Lynn Cheshire of Atlanta; step son, Leslie Cheshire of Atlanta; 2 grandchildren, Colton Flynn and Mindie Blackshear, both of Blackshear; 3 step grandchildren, Jay, Zoe , and Seth Cheshire, all of Waycross; 1 sister, Louise Thornberry (husband Harvey) of Massillon, Ohio; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A funeral service will take place Sunday afternoon (6/28/20) at 3 pm in the chapel of Hart Funeral Home with Rev. Joe Thigpen and Elder Jason Deal officiating. Burial will follow in the Waters Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday evening (6/27/20) from 6-8 pm. The use of masks and social distancing are recommended.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com.

Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.