The Rev. Billy Martin Bowen, of Kings Mountain, NC, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 28, 2011 at Carolina Medical Center in Charlotte, NC.
He was born February 11, 1933 in Cleveland County, NC to the late Horace Monroe and Edna Russ Bowen.  “Preacher Bill” faithfully served the Lord in ministry for nearly 58 years.  He pastored four different churches over the life of his ministry.  For the last 25 years he served Way of the Cross Baptist Church in Shelby, NC.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Hazel Blanton Bowen; three sons, Martin Bowen and wife Jeanna of Gaffney, SC, David Bowen and wife Kay of Grover, NC, and Paul Bowen and wife Sandra of Shelby, NC; one daughter, Denise Nolen and husband Perry of Kings Mountain, NC; 12 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren; three sisters, Ruth Turner of Gastonia, NC, Alice Sue Whitworth of Shelby, NC, and Dorothy and husband T. C. Martin of Blacksburg, SC.
In addition to his parents Preacher Bill was preceded in death by five brothers, W. G, Glenn, Loren, Yates and Ray; an infant twin Buford; and two grandsons Wayne and Jamie Bowen.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, August 30, 2011 from 6:00 – 8:00pm at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home in Shelby, NC and other times at the family home in Kings Mountain.  The service will be held Wednesday at 2:00pm at Way of the Cross Baptist Church, 226 Broad Street, Shelby, NC.  The Rev. Roy Clark, Rev. Bobby Meeks and Rev. Robert Mote will be officiating.  Burial will follow the service at Mountain Rest Cemetery in Kings Mountain.