William Samuel Bowery Sr.

William Samuel Bowery Sr., “Bill”, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, at the age of 86.

Bill was born in New Kent County and graduated from New Kent High School, where he drove the school bus from his sophomore until his senior year, and it’s where he lived until his last day.

In his younger years, Bill was a member of the Civil Air Patrol at New Kent Airport. He was the last founding member of the Company 2 Volunteer Fire Department, serving eight years. He was also a part-time Animal Control Warden for New Kent from 1966-1974. Bill served as a member of the New Kent Agricultural and Forestal District Committee from 1985-1995.

Bill was a lifelong member of Emmaus Baptist Church, where he served on the building and grounds committee for many years. During this time, he was instrumental in seeing that the ball field was established. He also accomplished what no one said could be done; he facilitated the installation of an air conditioning system in a 200-year-old sanctuary.

Bill’s first job was with McIntyre Implement Company where he was employed as a salesman. Later, he worked at MCV Hospital for 29 years. During this time, he was employed for the MCV Police Department for nine years. He later went into hospital administration as a superintendent, where he stayed until he took early retirement in 1991.

After retirement, Bill stayed home on the farm and began his own landscaping company. In August 1992, he went to work for New Kent County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy sheriff for 13 years. He served as Chief Bailiff for Judge Thomas B. Hoover in New Kent Circuit Court.

Bill worked two jobs for most of his life. He farmed for over 20 years while working a full-time position in Richmond. He would drive into town for work and come home to farm until dark. Bill was up at dawn to milk cows, care for other livestock, and then back to his next duties.

Finally, after his retirement from public work, he dedicated his full attention to his farm and family. He planted gardens and shared fresh vegetables with neighbors and friends. He took time with his grandchildren, attending track meets, softball games, and school plays. Bill was instrumental at having the timber cut. Bill lived a very wonderful life.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William Henry and India Carter Bowery, along with one precious granddaughter, Shelby Layne Bowery.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Betty Kirby Bowery; three children, Kelly Ann Bowery, William Samuel Bowery Jr. “Sam” (Leslie), and Roxanne Bowery Priest; three grandchildren, Riley Anne Hamlet, Madison Tate Hamlet, and William Samuel Bowery III “Billy”; one great-grandchild, Weslynn Layne Brumfield; dearest friend and first cousin, Franklin R. Carter “Frankie”; and one very special former son-in-law, with whom he remained close with, Christopher Boyd Hamlet.

Family received friends on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, at Vincent Funeral Home, 9923 Pocahontas Trail, Providence Forge, VA, 23140. A funeral service was held on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, at Emmaus Baptist Church, 6700 Emmaus Church Road, Providence Forge, VA 23140. Burial followed in the church cemetery and a reception was held in the fellowship hall.

The family would like to express sincerest gratitude to the caregivers that took care of Bill in the last few weeks.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Emmaus Baptist Church, P.O. Box 533, Quinton, VA 23141.