James Franklin Bowman

James Franklin “Frank” Bowman, 79, of Abingdon went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, December 30, 2016 surrounded by his family. He was survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth; daughter and son-n-law, Kaatri and Lloyd Anderson; adored granddaughter, Megan Anderson; step-grandchildren Jennifer Keen and Ronnie Nines; and devoted son and daughter-n-law, Steve and Becky Bowman. A native of Pound, VA and the 9th of 11 children, he was proceeded in death by his parents, James and Nellie Bowman; sisters, Lola Gilley, Ollie Boggs, Ruby Addington and Beulah Phillips; brothers, Odus Bowman and Essie Bowman. Surviving siblings include sisters, Dorlus Roberts – Pound, VA; Nola Carter- Pound, VA; and Glenita Bowman- Norton, VA and brother Garry Bowman and his wife Jane – Ocala, FL. Many special nieces and nephews will mourn his passing and cherish his memory. Frank served Christ as a deacon, usher and children’s bus ministry director for many years at Fairwood FWB Church in Fairfax, VA. He retired from the U. S. Postal Service.

Family and friends will be received at Farris Funeral Service on Monday, January 2, 2017 from 11:00 am- 1:00 pm. Funeral service will begin at 1:00 pm, officiated by Brother Reed Mullins, a longtime family friend. After the processional to the cemetery, a brief graveside service will be conducted at Forest Hills Memory Gardens where he will be laid to rest. Several special friends and family members will be serving as pall bearers. Friends and family members are invited to join together for a life celebration at Highlands Fellowship Church after the interment. Family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to Wellmont Hospice for their excellent and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or local food bank.

Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guestbook. The family of James Franklin Bowman is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, Va. 24210 (276-623-2700).