Doyal Dempsey Bowden

Doyal Dempsey Bowden passed away March 18, 2022 at the age of 93 after a period of declining health. He was surrounded by family at home in his final months thanks in part to the compassionate care services of Lighthouse Hospice. Doyal was born in Jasper County, Ga January 25, 1929 as the youngest child of Oscar Grady and Lucy Coile Bowden. After graduating high school, Doyal enlisted in the US Navy where he proudly served aboard the USS William Mitchell from 1947 till 1950 as a radio operator. After his discharge from the Navy he married Arleta June Estey of Washington State; whom he met while on liberty in San Francisco. Following their marriage in July 1950, the couple returned to Georgia to start a family. Doyal was hired at Robins Air Force Base where he worked as an aircraft mechanic. He eventually became an electronics technician, which he did for the remainder of his career. He retired from the base in 1984. Doyal enjoyed traveling and he enjoyed recounting stories from visiting the Far East while in the Navy. He and June took their growing family on multiple cross country road trips to visit family on the west coast. They explored the great American parks and discovered many lesser sites along the way. After retirement, he and June continued traveling for months at a time in their camper van all across the country; not stopping until they were in their 90's. They took many road trips with June's brother Charles and his wife Naomi and with June's sister Marge and her husband Ron. In the days before GPS, a new adventure always awaited just beyond the next turn off the highway. They always came back with stories to tell. They also enjoyed cruises including a trip thru the Panama Canal and in the Caribbean. At home Doyal enjoyed wood working, and in particular, making custom wooden walking sticks from cedar limbs from his property. He gave these away to anyone that expressed an interest. Doyal also enjoyed spending time with family playing cards, dominos, croquet, or participating in the hiding of Easter eggs for the grand kids. He often jokingly complained that he kept finding undiscovered eggs for months after each hunt. Doyal is preceded in death by his parents Grady and Lucy, his siblings – Vernon, Lyra, Thurmond, and Myrtice, and his oldest son Russell Neil Bowden. He is survived by his wife of 71 years Arleta June, his children Michelle (James) Fair, Karen (John) Bellanca, and Scott (DeDe) Bowden; daughter in law Joanie Carpenter Bowden; his grandchildren Patricia Fair (Peter) Laserinko, Brandon (April) Bowden, Courtney Bowden, Melissa Bellanca, Amanda Bellanca, Anthony Bellanca, Devon (Emily) Bowden, and Kira Bowden; 2 great grandchildren – Christian Fair, and Walker Bowden; and dozens of nieces and nephews on both sides of the country. Doyal's wishes were to be cremated without a service. The family will hold a visitation at a later time. In lieu of flowers the family suggests making a donation to a hospice organization of your choice in Doyal's memory. Monroe County Memorial Chapel has charge of arrangements.