Jerry Lee Bowman

Mr. Jerry Bowman, age 70, of Arab, Alabama passed away Monday, August 28, 2023 at Crestwood Medical Center. Jerry was born April 29, 1953 in Albertville Alabama, son of Jack and Gaynell Bishop Bowman. He was raised on a farm in Crossville, Alabama. Jerry was happily married to Emily Jo McElroy for over 48 years. Unfortunately she passed away in November of 2021. He and Emily met in 1973 when Jerry was only 20 years old and Emily only 18. But they knew they were meant to be together so after only two dates they eloped to Trenton, Georgia and got married. Jerry began his working career as a dump truck driver and followed that with a 19-year career with the Coca-Cola plant in Huntsville, AL. When the Coca-Cola plant closed he returned to his first career driving a dump truck this time for Reed Contracting. He “retired” at the age of 66, but he quickly realized he was not ready for retirement. So what did Jerry do? He went back to work driving a dump truck for RMS! He was known as "Mudflap" and he truly loved every minute of it. He took a lot of pride in his work and took immaculate care of the truck to which he had been in-trusted. Minutes before surgery, on the day he passed away, he talked about how soon he could go back to work. Jerry loved his family, his friends and his dogs and spending time with them was a highlight of his life. He really enjoyed working on cars with his father-in-law William H. McElroy. Leisure time was often spent traveling to the Smokey Mountains or going to Tunica in search of that BIG jackpot. His favorite pastimes also included going to estate sales with his friend, Don, where they rarely missed a weekend of bringing home a truck full of treasures. Jerry made an impression on everyone he met. He will forever be in the hearts of many! Jerry is survived by loving family members including: daughter, Amy Echols (Kevin); son, Robbie Bowman; fiancé, Brenda Burgett; sisters, Clessie Potter and Marlene Winfrey (Robert); grandchildren, Zachary Fortenberry, Parker Martin, Allie Claire Martin, Courtney Denton, Hanna Ashleigh Brown and Heaven Bowman; great grandchildren, Kayson Denton, Ivey Brown, Cash Brown, and Emmie Brown and many close cousins, nieces, nephews, and family friends. Jerry was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years Jo Bowman; mother, Gaynell Bowman; father, Jack Bowman; and brother, Keith Bowman. Services for Mr. Bowman are planned for Thursday, August 31, 2023 at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel in Arab, AL. The visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. The funeral service will immediately follow at 3:00 p.m. Brother Zachary Fortenberry will be officiating. Interment will be in the Sweet Home Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Kevin Echols, Zachary Fortenberry, Don Isbell, Brian Jones, Michael Frazier and Robert Winfrey. Honorary pallbearers are Parker Martin and Ritchie Blackmon. Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel, directing

Jerry Lee Bowman

April 29, 1953 - August 28, 2023