William Braxton "Brack" Bowden

William Braxton “Brack” Bowden, 94, died peacefully on Saturday, April 22, at his home near Chapel Hill NC.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Nadine Adams Bowden, son Mike (Debbie) of Pittsboro, grandsons Steve (Darby) of Bluffton SC and Tim of Chapel Hill, and 7 great-grandchildren. Also, his brother Don (Katie) of Burlington NC and sister Jeanne Roberson of Graham NC.

Brack proudly served in the United States Army with the 45th Infantry Division during the Korean War. Upon returning home from Korea, he held several jobs in the Chapel Hill area before joining the University of North Carolina Police Department in 1961. He was an officer there until his retirement in 1988. After retirement he always stayed busy, working on his house or in his garden, restoring his tractors or welding together a new trailer. He seemed to be able to do just about anything he put his mind to. One of his favorite passions were the yearly fishing trips each fall to Emerald Isle, with his many neighbors and friends. He was usually the first out on the beach each morning, casting a line or digging sand fleas. Those fishing trips were great fun but what he loved most was spending time with his family. He was the proud Papa of his two grandsons, Steve and Tim, and later in life, his 7 great-grandchildren.  He loved them with all his heart and it clearly showed.

Brack was a lifelong member of Antioch Baptist Church in the White Cross community west of Chapel Hill. He served in many capacities at the church, from Deacon to the “Fix-it” person. He was always present when something needed to be done.

He was a soft-spoken, behind the scenes kind of man who will be greatly missed by his family, his many friends and his community. Most likely, he has already caught his limit of sea trout early this morning and is taking a well deserved break before starting his next project.  Rest well Papa.

Visitation is planned for 1:30-2:30 on Tuesday, April 25 in the Fellowship Hall at Antioch Baptist Church, 1707 White Cross Rd, Chapel Hill NC, with the funeral service in the church sanctuary at 3:00. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, or Authoracare Collective Hospice, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215.