Forest Paul Bowman (Paul) passed away on 30 June 2023, after a long battle with cancer. Visitation will be 12:00 -2:00 p.m. with a memorial service to follow on Saturday, 8 July at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Funeral Home in Maynardville, Tennessee.
Paul was born to Ernest and Beulah Bowman on 25 February 1944. Paul worked for AT&T for 35 years, served as Union County Court Commissioner for eight years, served as mayor of Maynardville, and was on the Maynardville City Council for 16 years.
Paul was a Shriner for 37 years, Mason for 51 years, and a member of the Scottish Rite for 48 years. He served on board of directors of FSG Bank for 10 years. He also served on the Draft Board and was in the National Guard, where he proudly served for six years.
Paul is survived by his wife of 22 years, Susan Collins Bowman. They enjoyed their lives together and were extremely happy. After retirement, Paul and Susan traveled often and enjoyed their grandchildren.
Paul is also survived by his children, Travis (Tiffany) Bowman, Paula (Jason) Booker both of Maynardville, Amy (Greg) Collier of Luttrell, Natalie (Andrew) Shaw of Nashville, a granddaughter, Ava Bowman, who was his pride and joy, and a grandson, Gavin Collier, who made his home with Paul and Susan five days a week. Paul also had nine additional grandchildren.
He is also survived by two brothers Ray (Cynthia) Bowman and Lynn (Linda) Bowman, and a special sister Leah West, who was a rock for the family and always there for every hardship the family faced. Leah held a special place in Paul’s heart.
Paul is preceded in death by his parents, Beulah and Ernest Bowman, a sister Ramah Seymour, two brothers, Doyle and Auble, and one grandson Bryce Collier.
Paul attended the Northside Church of Christ. He became close to the church members in a surprisingly short time and grew to love the men in the congregation. The church played a large role in his battle with cancer. The church showed more love to the family than they thought possible. One of his favorite moments during his illness was when the church came to their home and sang Christmas carols and offered prayers and fellowship.
Kevin and Lee Ann Burris were a great help to Paul and Susan during this time and were with them through each step of Paul’s illness.
A special thank you to Paul’s brother-in law, Vernon Collins, for all the love and support he’s shown
through Paul’s illness.
Paul’s sister-in-law, Dionne and her husband Thomas Copley were a great help to Susan and Paul.
The family would like to thank Premier Surgical and Dr. Rolfe for his kindness and skill in diagnosing and treating Paul. The family would also like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Chinta and Kenneth Nicely PA at Caring Medical, who showed great care and kindness to Paul and Susan.
Trinity Funeral Home, Maynardville has the honor to serve the family of Paul Bowman. 865-992-5002 www.trinityfuneralhome.net