TIFTON — Jimmie Carson Bowen, 75, also known as “Doc” and “Tater”, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012. He was surrounded by family at Tifton Regional Medical Center.  

The family will receive friends Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. at  Kennedy-Brannen Funeral Home in Metter. Immediately following visitation, a memorial service, conducted by his children and grandchildren, will be held in the Funeral Home chapel, to begin at 2 p.m., with graveside services following at Lake Church Cemetery of Metter.  His grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.  

Mr. Bowen graduated from Statesboro High School, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and the University of Georgia, School of Pharmacy. Jimmie was born on Valentine’s Day in 1937. He was the son of M.J. and Mary Belle Bowen, both deceased. He was also preceded in death by one daughter, Pamela Bowen Bragdon,  two brothers, Bill Bowen of Claxton and Jack Bowen of Metter and one nephew, Jay Bowen of Metter.    

Jimmie was a former resident of Lumber City where he was the owner of Bowen’s Drug Store, the Lumber City Poultry Supply Company and built the Lumber City Nursing Home. He served Lumber City as Mayor for one term and served on the City Council for over 20 years. He was instrumental in getting Cook and Company (Amercord) to locate their business in Lumber City and was most proud of the jobs created by this accomplishment. Jimmie was also involved in various poultry and farming operations.  

Mr. Bowen received a most special gift of a second chance at life in March of 1992. He received a heart transplant at Emory University Hospital. After recuperation, he moved to Shellman’s Bluff on the Georgia Coast. He was well known on the Bluff as an outstanding grandfather, boat captain, cook and friend.  

Mr. Bowen is survived by his wife, Jill Battle Bowen, of Tifton who was the love of his life. Jimmie and Jill were married for 56 years. Mr. Bowen is also survived by two sons, J.C. (Spud) Bowen and his wife, Sherry; and Chip Bowen and his wife, Fern; his daughter, Stacie Bowen Branch and her husband, Danny; and one son-in-law, Ronnie Bragdon and his wife, Debra; eight grandchildren:  Carson Bowen, Conner Bowen, Erin Bowen, Chad Bowen, Justin Branch, Jesse Branch, Kinslee Branch and Cliff Bragdon; and 4 great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by one sister, Nell Bowen Brady of Savannah and one brother, Henry Bowen of Washington, Ga.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Jay Bowen Scholarship Fund for Candler County Kids, Queensboro Bank, P.O. Box 66, Metter, Ga.  30439. Kennedy-Brannen Funeral Homes, Metter Chapel is in charge of arrangements.