Kenneth Edward Bowen

Kenneth Edward Bowen, 81, of Lake City, SC, passed away peacefully after a long battle with dementia, surrounded by the family he cherished so deeply.

Born May 6, 1944, to Edward and Helen Bowen, Kenneth grew up in Lake City and graduated from Lake City High School before earning a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of South Carolina. Shortly after graduation, he answered the call to serve his country, becoming an officer in the U.S. Navy and serving honorably in Vietnam, from 1966 to 1969.

Following his military service, Kenneth returned to Lake City to work with his father in the family’s tobacco business, Bowen Big Brick Warehouse. Shortly thereafter, fate would lead him on a blind date to the love of his life, Lois Ann Graham of Kingstree, SC. They married and built a beautiful life together, raising three sons—Jim (Marci Lyda), David (Mary Elizabeth Kinard), and Thomas (Jennifer Rogers)—who would bless him with six grandchildren.

Kenneth was known by all as one of the kindest and most selfless people you could ever meet. Whether you were a close friend or a stranger in need, Kenneth was quick to lend a hand or an encouraging word. His life was defined by service—not only to his family and friends but to his community. He was an active member of the Lake City Rotary Club, served as a deacon at Lake City First Baptist Church, and led Sunday school classes for many years. He especially loved entertaining children at Vacation Bible School, slipping into silly characters and joyful personas that brought smiles to every face. Kenneth also had a lifelong love of magic, constantly workshopping new tricks for his family before debuting them to wider audiences, delighting young and old alike with his playful showmanship. Always a champion of education and character, Kenneth served numerous years on the SCISA Board, two decades on The Carolina Academy Board, and taught at The Carolina Academy for nearly 20 years after retiring from the tobacco business. He was a fixture at The Carolina Academy athletic events, keeping score, running the sound system, and playing his signature music and movie sound clips for the crowd’s enjoyment at baseball games, always ending each game with his signature sign-off song, Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight—a farewell that now resonates even more deeply. 

To his family, Kenneth was an extraordinary husband, father, and grandfather. He always had a story ready—whether to comfort, celebrate, or simply entertain—and a knack for turning even the simplest moments into joyful adventures. His playful spirit and unwavering love created cherished memories that will live on for generations. Kenneth’s legacy is one of kindness, service, and deep devotion to the people and places he held dear and was truly a rare soul who left everyone better off for having known him. He will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege to know him.

The family would like to say a special thanks to Care of the Piedmont for their love and care of Kenneth in his final days.

A visitation will be held at the Lake City First Baptist Church on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service in the church at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to The Carolina Academy, 351 N. Country Club Rd., Lake City, SC 29560, or Lake City First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 820, Lake City, SC 29560. 

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