Sheldon Bowman - Cremation Society of Virginia

Sheldon Bowman

October 24, 1944 - January 9, 2024

Sheldon William Bowman was born on October 24, 1944 in Norfolk, Virginia and was a graduate of Maury High School.

Sheldon “Billy” was a proud Army Officer. He served as a Green Beret in the Vietnam War with the 101st Airborne Division. Billy received the Purple Heart after being seriously injured in the line of duty. He retired from the Army and began his next career working in the restaurant management for the Whitetower Corporation in Washington, Dc. In 1973 he started as a management trainee for Red Lobster and in 1980 was promoted to regional director for the Southeast Region. Billy continued to climb the corporate ladder and was promoted to Vice President of the Northern Region in 1982.

Billy was predeceased by his parents, Sheldon Bowman and Gladys DuVal, sister Linda Mitchem and nephew William “Billy” Blevins. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of thirty-one years JoAnne, son Olin (Kendra), two granddaughters Alexis and Leah, daughter Dawn (Mark), sister Joyce Spence, nephew Rick (Yvonne) and great nieces Taylor (Spiros) and Jean.

Billy loved God, his country and his family. His two granddaughters were his pride and joy. His hobbies include fishing, golfing, woodworking, range shooting and reading.

The Celebration of Life will be held at the Khedive Shrine Temple located at 645 Woodlake Dr. Chesapeake, Va 23320 on Sunday, Jan 21, 2024, at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Folds of Honor or Wounded Warrior Project

Cremation Society of Virginia

Taylor Hobbs

Leah Mansfield

Braylynn Hall

Evan Hall

Carolyn Ruddick Hall

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Sheldon William Bowman was born on October 24, 1944 in Norfolk, Virginia and was a graduate of Maury High School. Sheldon “Billy” was a proud Army Officer. He served as a Green Beret in the Vietnam War with the 101st Airborne Division. Billy received the Purple Heart after being seriously injured in the line of…

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My condolences to the family. I am Dawns friend and I know how this lost is hurting you. May he be in peace and lots of strength to the whole family.

My condolences to you and your family during this most difficult time. It is so very hard to be left behind, when our loved ones pass on.

Kathy and I only got to know Billy briefly, but he left a strong impression on our entire family. His devotion to his family and our country was impressive and Billy was a true patriot. Condolences to JoAnne and the rest of the family during this most difficult time.

We have been friends since the late 50's. We always had fun.

So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with youl.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I have so many wonderful memories with Billy and Joanne. Praying for all that loved him.

Your love for Leah and I went beyond unmeasurable. The living room pillow forts, dancing to Boogie Shoes by KC &The Sunshine Band, and all the little commissary gifts are only a small example of the love you had for us. I promise I’ll have my nickels to pay you back when I see you again. I love you to the moon and back, forever your brown eyed girl.

I miss you pop pop

In memory of Sheldon Bowman, Braylynn Hall lit a candle

Rest In Peace Billy! We are blessed to have had you in our lives, and I can’t put into words how grateful I am for your friendship and mentorship. Thank you for your selfless service to our country, I will miss our military conversations more than anyone will ever know. You loved unconditionally (God, Family, Country) and I will strive each and every day to live by your example. Rest in peace and God Bless. 🙏

I’ve known Billy since I was a teenager. There was always a group of us that hung out, cruising Doumar’s on the weekends, having beach parties, etc. I remember when Billy was in charge of the Whitetower Northern Division, living in Alexandria & Baltimore, we would go visit & go around the cities learning the areas. Then, when he moved to Ga., husband, myself & 2 of our oldest children (sons) one of those boys son, Billy & Dawn had a “crush” on each other, went to visit them. What a special, great time we had. We went everywhere, visited all the sites to be seen. Then he opened the Anglers Reef restaurant, a very nice place to dine & dance. Needless to say, Dawn & our 2 sons worked there together also, as teenagers. Some good times were had there too. Just remembering Billy back in the day, how he treated his friends and family is heart warming. Coming to visit you in the hospital, when you came home from the war I’ll never forget. Thank you for your service to our country. You worked hard for everything you had & for the USA. God Rest Your Soul, Fly High. We will never forget you or your friendship. Love, Gloria & Paul ❤️❤️

Our deepest sympathy goes out to JoAnne and the family. Bill was a large asset to the Cypess Point Commons community, as well as, a good neighbor and friend. Please know that the family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Billy was a man filled with pride and love. John and I will forever cherish his memory..

Billy was our cousin and we got to see him regularly when we were all young. He was always good natured. Everyone liked Billy, and we were, and are, so proud of his service to our country. He’s truly a hero. We will miss you Billy. Love, your cousins~ Carolyn, Gary and Barbara (Gretchen “Nancy” Addison’s children)

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.