Oliver Calvin Bowman, 96, of Hollywood, South Carolina, husband of Margie Anne Parramore Bowman, entered peacefully into the arms of his Savior in the early morning hours of Monday, May 18, 2026. His Funeral Service will be held Friday, May 22, 2026 at the J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., West Ashley Chapel, 3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway at 5:00 pm. The family will receive friends from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm, prior to the service. Burial will be held with a graveside service on Sunday, May 24, 2026 at 5:00 pm in Thomasville, Georgia, Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Oliver was born July 12, 1929, in Macon, Georgia, son of the late George Claude Bowman and Viola Anne Cronic Bowman. He was a devoted and active member of Hopewell Baptist Church of Adam’s Run, South Carlina and was the music director at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Bonaire Georgia in the 1970s. Oliver lived a life marked by deep faith, quiet joy, steadfast love for his family, and an abiding appreciation for the beauty of God’s creation.

He served in the United States Navy in Guam from 1949 to 1952. His military duties ended on Christmas Eve 1952 and less than 3 years later he graduated from the University of Georgia in 1955 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He devoted much of his life to the simple and meaningful things he loved most. Oliver appreciated the arts and found joy in oil painting, photography, and playing the piano. A gifted painter, he especially loved painting flowers and landscapes. Music filled both his life and home, and he loved singing hymns loudly and joyfully, often stretching out notes with dramatic flair. “How Great Thou Art” remained one of his most cherished songs throughout his life.

Oliver also loved gardening and tending to his flowers, often sitting outside beneath his straw hat listening to the birds sing. He enjoyed peaceful sunrises by the lake with his wife, where they watched wildlife and boats drifting quietly across the water.. He was an observer of life’s beauty; the kind of man who noticed blooming flowers, changing skies, music floating through a room, and the goodness found in everyday moments.

Those who knew Oliver will remember his quick wit, playful spirit, gentle wisdom, and the unmistakable twinkle in his eye whenever he was being mischievous. Above all else, he loved the Lord, his wife and his family. His faith in Jesus Christ remained steadfast and unshakable until the very end. Even in his final hours on earth, he joyfully sang “O Happy Day,” praising his Savior shortly before entering Heaven.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, James Kipling (Michelle) Bowman of Hollywood, SC, Oliver Kevin (Rebecca Watson) Bowman of Macon, GA; four grandchildren, Madison Caroline (Elijah) Kuzia of Hollywood, SC, Audrey Anne Bowman of Hollywood, SC, Tyler William Kipling (Jessica) Bowman of Hollywood, SC, Clara Grace Bowman of Hollywood, SC; and sister-in-law, Darlene Holland of Perry, GA, and many loving nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Herschel C. “Buck” Bowman, and Julius Hill Bowman, Harold Emerson Bowman, George Washington Bowman, and Sybil Bernice Bowman.

Flowers will be graciously accepted or memorials may be made to Hopewell Baptist Church, 6869 Parkers Ferry Rd, Adams Run, SC 29426.

Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., West Ashley Chapel. 

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