Gerald Wendell Bowen

Mr. Gerald Wendell Bowen, age 90 of East McCarty Street, Sandersville, passed away on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Washington County Extended Care Facility. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held on Tuesday, May 19 at 11:00 a.m. in the May and Smith Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Bobby Williford officiating. Burial will be private.

Mr. Bowen was born in Sandersville, the son of the late Marvin Eddie Hawk and the late Essie Mae Bowen. He served his country in the U.S. Airforce and worked at Central State Hospital in Milledgeville until retirement. Mr. Bowen was a talented woodworker and a ventriloquist. He also enjoyed singing and playing guitar. He was a member of Kendall Heights Church of God. Mr. Bowen is preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Bernice York Bowen, children, Tonya Bowen and Bobby Dean Bowen; and sister, Lois Repco.

Mr. Bowen is survived by his brother-in-law, Leonard York of New Mexico; niece Terry Mason of Tennille; and special caregivers, Bobby and Sheryl Williford.

Mr. Bowen’s caregivers would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of ECF for their care for Mr. Bowen, whom they affectionately called “Bubba”.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mr. Bowen’s memory to Kendall Heights Church of God, 829 Jordan Mill Road, Sandersville, GA 31082.

Condolences may be made online at mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com

May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.