Joel Lynn Bowman

Obituary

Joel Lynn Bowman died peacefully at his home on June 27, 2022, surrounded by people that he loved.
Joel was born on August 30, 1950, to A.D. and Beatrice Wright Bowman. His mother lovingly referred to him as "her tinkerer." Even from a young age, he was always busy building and discovering how things worked. This trait followed him throughout his life he poured himself into his interests and never saw the point in buying something he could make himself.
Born into a devout Christian family, Joel found his faith at an early age and was baptized at Blackwood Springs Baptist Church. His baptism was a memorable one, as it took place in a swimming pool rather than the usual creek. The bottom of the pool was covered with coins as if it was a wishing well, and Joel picked them up with his toes. He spoke fondly of the years that he led the Royal Ambassadors at Meadowdale Baptist Church. He was a member of Cedar Creek Baptist Church in Adairsville at his death.
Following high school, Joel lived with Dexter and Estelle Shope, his beloved uncle and aunt who were more like his second parents, while he attended technical school. During this time, he also worked at Lockheed Martin where he welded the interior of C5A airplanes. Embracing his love of building and artistic expression, Joel became a skilled tile contractor and stone mason, a career he held for almost 44 years.
While completing a tile job for her parents, Joel met and fell in love with Vicki VanDyke of Rome, Georgia. They married less than a year later and built a life that they loved. They welcomed their baby girl, Joy Lynn, into the world in 1983 and their baby boy, Jordan Andrew, in 1985. The family made many memories hiking and fishing at their cabin on Grassy Mountain near Cohutta, Georgia, vacationing in the Great Smoky Mountains, and just being together.
An avid outdoorsman, Joel thoroughly enjoyed bow hunting, backpacking, and fly fishing (with flies that he tied himself and a fly rod that he made). He raised purebred beagles for more than two decades, many of which went on to become rabbit hunting field champions. He was a lifelong beekeeper and could frequently be found in his bee suit caring for his honeybees. Joel and his brother Donald spent much time together on the family farm and were inseparable, growing even closer after their parents passing. Painting and gardening were among Joels many other talents, but his favorite title was "grandfather." He loved to take "his boys" out on the farm to care for the cows, go fish, and take rides on the tractor and four wheeler.
Joel is survived by his wife of almost 44 years, Vicki VanDyke Bowman; daughter Joy Bowman Renfro and her husband Michael; son Jordan Bowman and his wife Alison Daub-Sychra; grandsons Jack Renfro, Henry Renfro, and Conrad Bowman; brother Donald Bowman and his wife Jane; brother Gary Bowman and his wife Margaret; father-in-law Donald VanDyke; aunt Betty W. Knight; uncle Hoyle Wright; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Upon entering Heaven, Joel was certainly welcomed by his beloved sister Mary Bowman Long, his parents A.D. and Beatrice, and his mother-in-law Faye VanDyke.
A service to celebrate Joels life will be held on Thursday, June 30 at 2 p.m. in the chapel at Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home with Rev. Gregg Free and Dr. Steven Pearson officiating, and Dr. Gary Tate conducting the graveside service. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 12-2 p.m. Pallbearers will include Jordan Bowman, Donald Bowman, Michael Renfro, Levi Bowman, Jesse Bowman, and Tony Childers. Honorary pallbearers are Jack Renfro and Henry Renfro. Attendees are asked to please wear masks while indoors.
The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of Joel Bowman.




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Services



Visitation Thursday
June 30, 2022
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

711 College Street
Calhoun, GA 30701




Funeral Service Thursday
June 30, 2022
2:00 PM

711 College Street
Calhoun, GA 30701