Murry Bowman

Taylor Funeral Home of Louisville announces the death and funeral services of Chief Magistrate Judge William Murry Bowman, age 62 of Bermuda Drive, died Wednesday, August 3, 2016 at his residence.

 Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, August 6 in the Wadley United Methodist Church with Rev. David Boggs, Sheriff Gary Hutchins, and Mr. Dennis Roberts officiating. Burial will follow at the family lot at Coleman Chapel. Pallbearers will be Dennis Roberts, Roy Barnard, Al Tibbetts, Ronald Wiggins, Chuck McMillan, Mitchell McGraw, Tommy New, and Tommy Hogan. Honorary Pallbearers will be employees of the Magistrate Court of Jefferson County and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.

A native of Wadley and a lifelong resident of Jefferson County, Judge Bowman was the son of the late Frank and Betty Bowman. He was a 1972 graduate of Wadley High School and served for 41 years in the United States Army and the Air Force. Judge Bowman retired as a Master Sargent in the 165th Air Wing.  He served in the 165th Aerial Port Squadron, 165th Civil Engineering Squadron, 165th Air Dominance Center, and 165th Security Forces.  He also served 8 years in the Georgia Army National Guard 878 Engineer Battalion located in Louisville, Georgia. He was stationed in Hawaii, Germany, Spain, Japan, and Italy throughout his career. He was also a life-long member of Coleman Chapel United Methodist Church, the Stonewall Masonic Lodge #98F&AM, and the Louisville Lions’ Club. He had a lifetime career in law enforcement serving as Police Chief of Bartow, and was employed by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, Sandersville Police Department, Louisville Police Department, and as Marshall of Jefferson County. He has been serving as Jefferson County Chief Magistrate Judge since 1988.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and beloved grandparents Loring and Theo Paul, and survived by lifelong companion Donna Bowman of Midville; daughters Johnna Raines, Chickamauga, GA, Nikki Bowman, Tifton, GA, Kelley Bowman Jersey, Louisville, GA, Haley Bowman Black, Augusta, GA; beloved sons-in-law Joey Raines, Robbie McLean, Craig Jersey, Mitch Black; grandchildren Zach Raines, Kinley Anne Jersey, Mason McLean, Reelyn Murry McLean; sisters Diana Bowman Holmes and Francis Bowman; brothers Frank Bowman and Matt Bowman; “Favorite” Aunt, Anne McGahee; niece Lori Copeland, and many cousins.

If so desired, in lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Coleman Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, C/O Ruth Paul, 7118 River Rd., Wadley, GA 30477.

The Bowman Family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 PM Friday August 5, at the funeral home.

Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 401 West 8th Street, Louisville is in charge of arrangements.

 Service Information