Memorial Trees
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Anonymous
July 17, 2025
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Andre Carla and Amber Harmon
July 16, 2025
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Anonymous
July 14, 2025
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Anonymous
July 14, 2025
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Anonymous
July 14, 2025
Memorial trees planted for:
Larry Bowie
<p>Larry Earl Bowie was born on Monday, December 31, 1945, in Merryville, Louisiana. On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, after a lengthy illness, God called him home to dwell with him in the glories of Paradise. He was the beloved son of the late Edna Marie Bowie. His mother Edna and daughter, Angela Bowie, greeted him at the Golden Gate and welcomed him in. </p><p> </p><p>After graduating in the class of 1964 from DeRidder High School in DeRidder, LA, Larry furthered his education at Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA, where he earned a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering in 1968. That same year, he was employed by Boeing, where he worked for several months before being drafted into the United States Army. He served his country for two years. After receiving an honorable discharge in 1970, that same year accepted employment with Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) where he served for 44 years and relocated to Chattanooga, TN, after uniting in Holy Matrimony with his soulmate, Sherry Pruitt October 3, 1970. Larry was a devoted husband to Sherry, his bride of 54 years. She was and remained the love of his life until parted by death. </p><p> </p><p>Papa, as he was affectionately known, was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him; especially, the Boy Scouts of America, whom he served as Scout Master for 40 plus years. Larry had an excess of 800 Boy Scouts to come through his</p><p>troop. Additionally, he produced 43 Eagle Scouts from that troop. In recognition of his hard and diligent work with the scouts, Larry received the Whitney M. Young Service Award for community service and scouting and the George W. Norris Commissioner Award. We ask that you remember him not for the way his life ended, but for the way it was lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him. </p><p> </p><p>Larry was a committed, devoted, and faithful member of Orchard Knob Missionary Baptist Church. He served this earthly Kingdom with devout attention to duty. He assumed responsibilities unreservedly and in a spirit of humility and sincerity, serving as church Elder and Deacon, a member of the Brotherhood Ministry, and “Mark” Deacon Group. Outside of his</p><p>missionary work, Larry expressed a passion for photography, scouting, architecture, and the freedom of traveling. He was also a connoisseur of certain foods such as gumbo, muscadines, figs, fruit, and nuts. </p><p> </p><p>Those who knew Larry will remember him for his infectious smile and overwhelming laughter, his deep-rooted faith in Jesus Christ, and his unwavering commitment to spreading love and kindness to everyone he encountered. He had a rare gift for making others smile and laugh, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed his path. While worshipping, when the spirit hit him, he would rise and wave his left hand in the air with much fervor. </p><p> </p><p>Larry is survived by his loving wife, Sherry; son, Adrian (Nicole) Bowie of Geismar, LA; grandchildren, Shayla (Tommie) Johnson, Sherie T. Bowie, and Courtney McFolley all of Decatur, AL, Dustin Bowie of Los Angeles, CA, Deidre D. Bowie of Provo, Utah, Briana Bowie of Chamblee, GA, Adrian Bowie, Jr. and Blake Bowie both of Geismar, LA; great-grandchildren, Jersey Johnson, Clark Johnson, Keign McFolley, and Kylah McFolley all of Decatur, AL; sister, Mertis Jean Diggles of Kirbyville, TX; a host of nieces and nephews who adored him dearly as well as other relatives and friends.</p><p><br></p><p>Public viewing will be held 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm Thursday, July 17, 2025 at John P. Franklin Funeral Home. A funeral service will begin at 11:30 am Friday, July 18, 2025 at Orchard Knob Missionary Baptist Church, 1734 E. Third Street, 37404. Interment: Chattanooga National Cemetery.</p>December 31, 1945 - July 9, 202512/31/194507/09/2025
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