Woody Harrison Bowman

Woodroe “Woody” Harrison Bowman, 83, of Davidson County, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, January 2, 2026. As you know Woody, loved by many, he always had a smile on his face and was quick witted. He was always so inviting, and thoroughly enjoyed family time, friendly competition, and cooking. He loved to travel and enthusiastically share stories from his many adventures, and he was an avid golfer who cherished times on the course. The things that drove him throughout his life were family, faith and commitment to Veterans. Woody was a jack of all trades and a master of many and was always willing to use his talents to help others.

Woody was born on June 2, 1942, in Elkorn, West Virginia, to the late Charlie Bowman and Emma Jane Fern Harrison Bowman. Upon graduation from high school, he proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1961 to 1963 at Fort Carson, Colorado. Prior to joining Army he was a cook at the Old Hickory BBQ. He had several jobs in Lexington area, with his last job as at Stroh’s Brewery where he retired in 2003. His faith was an important part of his life, having served as a Deacon and Sunday school teacher at True Light Baptist Church.

Following his military service, he was a lifelong advocate for veterans through his involvement with AMVETS. He was a member of American Legion Post #8 and later joined AMVETS Post #13 in 1964, becoming active in 1988. He held a variety of positions including past Current Judge Advocate, past Commander and Chaplain of AMVETS Post #13, past Commander of Davidson County Veteran’s Council, and a member of the American Legion.

In 2010, he founded the Davidson County Veterans Honor Guard, which provides military burial honors for all veterans. He also led the effort to name the newly constructed bridge over the Yadkin River between Davidson and Rowan counties as the Yadkin River Veterans Memorial Bridge.

Another significant project he championed was the installation of Blue Star Memorial Highway markers at the northbound and southbound rest areas on Interstate 85 in Davidson County. This program places markers at roadside rest areas, scenic overlooks, historical sites, and other appropriate locations to honor all who have served, are currently serving, and will serve in the United States Armed Forces.

In recognition of his lifelong dedication and service to veterans, he was honored as Grand Marshal of the Veterans Day Parade in 2023. Even as recent as 2025, he was honored with the USS North Carolina Battleship Award, which is presented by the North Carolina AMVETS organization to a person within the state that demonstrates outstanding service to the veteran community.

Left to carry on his legacy are his beloved wife, Sue Bowman, of the home; children Richard Dean Morgan Jr. (Kim), Nealie Craig Morgan (LeAnna), Wanda Morgan Thompson (Donnie), and Lisa Bowman Plummer (David); grandchildren Taylor Morgan (Amanda), Tori Baker (Adam), Chelsea Pendharkar (Nilay), Courtney Thompson; great grandchildren Amelia, Maeve, Layne and Eloise; and brother Randy Bowman (Kathy), brother-in law Joe Morris (Charlean). Along with his parents Charlie Woodrow Bowman and Emma Jane Fern Harrison Bowman, he is preceded in death by a brother, Larry Wayne Bowman (Gayle).

The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 PM, Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at Davidson Funeral Home, 301 N. Main St., Lexington.

A funeral service will be held the following day, 2:00 PM, Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at True Light Baptist Church, 316 Odell Owens Rd, Lexington, NC.

Burial will be conclude services at Lexington City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Woody Bowman may be made to AMVET Memorial Park, 423 Marco Blvd, Lexington NC 27295 or to True Light Baptist Church, 316 Odell Owen Rd, Lexington, NC 27295.