John Mcgowan Bowen

John McGowan Bowen Jr , 95, was called to his heavenly home Wednesday, June 13th, 2018. He passed away in the presence of his family at North Georgia Medical Center.

John is survived by his wife of 67 years, Emily Whitehead Bowen, His three sons, Robert C. Bowen (Laura), Sheppard A. Bowen (Carolyn) and Scott M. Bowen (Debbie) and his six Grandchildren, Sarah B. Yacovett, Sheppard M. Bowen, Samantha B. Schwingen, Jenna E. Bowen, Taylor M. Bowen, and Robert M. Bowen, as well as his nine Great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death are his two siblings, Louie C. Bowen, and Hallie B. Holmes, along with his son John McGowan Bowen III.

Born in Kirkwood, Ga, on November 17th, 1922, He was the son of Mary-Anna Cassels and John McGowan Bowen Sr.. He was a graduate of Druid Hills High School and earned his degree in Industrial Management from Georgia Tech. Later he attended Carnegie Tech in Pittsburgh, Pa, and graduated with degrees in Printing and Publishing. John was well known in professional printing circles as a very fast print setter and astute business man. While at Superior Type Setters one of John's many projects, along with his brother and father, was to set the type for a large version of the "King James Bible" which he had to proof read upside down and backwards which was common for a Linotype type setter of that time. Needless to say John got to know the Bible well. John also served in the second world war where he received 5 Battle Stars. He saw action in Italy, southern France, and Germany. John was with the group that liberated Dachau Concentration Camp and saw, first hand, the horrors of Hitlers Final solution.

John was an elder and deacon in the Mount Vernon and Roswell Presbyterian Churches. Upon retirement, Emily and John were members of First Presbyterian Church of Gainesville, Ga.

John was an avid walker and hiker. He hiked much of the Southern section of the Appalachian Trail carrying an old grass pointer and wearing his favorite walking boots. He was also a member of the Overmountain Victory Trail Association that commemorates the Campaign to the Battle of Kings Mountain which John’s 4th Great Grandfather and 4 of his brothers fought at the Battle of Kings Mountain on October 7, 1780 and according to Thomas Jefferson, Kings Mountain was a decisive victory in the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution.

He was the president of two companies: Superior Type Inc. and Books Inc.. Later in life he started Laurel Creek Nursery and Garden Center in Buford, Ga. and operated this business until his retirement.

John was a loyal husband, father, grand and great grandfather. He loved and supported his family with all of his heart. One person signed his high school annual with the following quote: “To John, a perfect specimen of Honor, Health and Good Sportsmanship. I offer a toast!”. This is a great summary of his life. He will be missed.

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