Norman Carroll Bowen, 87, of Columbia, died of natural causes at his home on October 11, 2012. A funeral service will be held at 4 o'clock, Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at Rehoboth United Methodist Church with Pastor Doug Benton officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. A visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 3 o'clock.

Born in Kershaw County, Norman was the son of the late Albert Bryant and Docia Braziel Bowen. He started working at the age of 13, delivering milk to homes for Roddey's Dairy before going to school, where he excelled in his studies. He was a graduate of then Dentsville High School.

Following his education he entered the US Army serving in Europe and the Pacific during WWII. He then began a career as an automobile technician at Pulliam Motor Company, Burnside Motors, Hancock Buick and Oliver Motor Company and was a member of the Dentsville Masonic Lodge No. 398. After retiring in 1983, he served as volunteer groundskeeper at his church for 25 years, for which he is fondly remembered.

He is survived by a daughter, Mary Bowen Kelly; son, Stewart Wayne (Ruby) Bowen; two sisters, Linda Faye Bowen and Catherine Bowen all of Columbia; as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister, Trudy Bowen Hill; brothers, Rudy and Clyde Bowen.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rehoboth United Methodist Church, Norman Bowen Memorial, 6911, Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC 29223.