William L. Bowe

William Lee Bowe, affectionately known as “Willie”, was born on August 21, 1948, in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Willie departed this life suddenly on October 28, 2014, at Bayhealth (Kent General Hospital) in Dover, DE. He was born to the late Jessie Lee Franklin Bowe and the late Riddick Theodore Bowe. The family migrated to Delaware from Elizabeth City, NC around 1951. Willie was raised in a Christian home and accepted Christ at an early age. Willie often attended Union Baptist Church to hear the word from his brother Rev. Theodis R. Bowe. Willie attended Delaware Public Schools, including William C. Jason High School. In his younger years, Willie had a passion for “drag racing”. He frequented Little Lincoln Speedway, Georgetown Speedway and Delmar Speedway for drag racing. He would often race his ‘69 442, ‘72 Chevy Malibu or Nova at Delmar Speedway. Drag racing was just one of his passions; he also was the pitcher for the Ellendale Softball Team which was sponsored by O’Neil Liquors back in the 70’s. Willie was well known and loved by many, he always had an encouraging word for everyone and a big grin on his face. He was the “jokester” of the family and anyone who knew him was well aware of his joking spirit. He held a variety of positions including at one point working for Perdue. He was most proud of his career with the Milford School District where he worked at the Middle School for over 25 years as a Building Chief. He worked for I.G. Burton’s for over 30 years and at Bayhealth (Milford Hospital) for over 25 years. Willie retired from Bayhealth and the Milford School District as a Supervisor in 2010, but continued to be employed at I.G. Burton until his death. Willie married Ethel Tiggs in January 1972. From this union two daughters were born. He later found love again and married Rose Marie Davis on May 19, 1984. They were married until his transition from this life on October 28th. No children were born of this union. Willie leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife of thirty years, Rose Marie Bowe; two daughters, Vicki Lee Bowe of Felton, DE; Tonya Bowe of Milford, DE; one adopted son, Shaquan Clanton of Ellendale. DE; one step-daughter, Nakeama Davis Clayton (Randolph) of Ellendale, DE; one nephew, that he raised, Tomaz Davis of Ellendale, DE & one goddaughter, that he raised, Shea Weaver of Atlanta, GA; seven grandchildren, Cierra, Freddie, Turrell & Shaquel, (Vicki); Pria, Rihanna & Tihanna (Tonya); nine step-grandchildren, Davion, Dynasty, Randolph, Allan, Kyan, Neosha, Justin, and Brianna (Nakeama), Tatiyana (Tomaz); Four Great-Grandchildren, Lali (Cierra); Jordynn & Delaney (Freddie); and Shaquel, Jr. (Shaquel). One sister, Joan L. Haynesworth of Waldorf, MD; Seven Brothers, Theodis Bowe (Lena) of Millsboro, DE, Joseph E. Bowe (Donna) of Bowie, MD, Everett E. Bowe (Paulette) of Dover, DE, Larry D. Bowe (Felicia) of Lincoln, DE, Lynnwood Bowe (Janet) of Felton, DE, Louellis Bowe (Marilyn) of Felton, DE, and Jacques Bowe (Brenda) of Lincoln, DE; One Sister preceded him in death, Yvonne E. McPherson (June 14); an adopted Sister Shirley Hooper (Dover); Two brothers-in-law; Three sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins and a host of friends and other family. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William L. Bowe, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

William L. Bowe

August 21, 1948 - October 28, 2014