Carl Bowie Obituary (Oakland, CA)

Carl Bowie was born on October 13, 1963, in San Francisco, California, to Roy and Clara Bowie. He was the fifth of six sons and was raised in Oakland, California, surrounded by family, faith, and comm

Carl Bowie was born on October 13, 1963, in San Francisco, California, to Roy and Clara Bowie. He was the fifth of six sons and was raised in Oakland, California, surrounded by family, faith, and community.Carl was active and full of life from an early age. He loved roller skating and enjoyed playing baseball, basketball, and pool. Later in life, he enjoyed watching Family Feud and comedy shows, which brought him laughter and joy.Raised in the East Oakland Church of God in Christ alongside his brothers, Carl developed a foundation of faith that remained with him throughout his life. In later years, he renewed his commitment to God and sought to serve Him faithfully.Carl was gifted with his hands and had a natural ability to fix things, from bicycles and cars to toys and household items. He also learned to cut hair and took pride in always being neat and well-groomed.He was known for his dedication in warehouse operations as a certified forklift driver and foreman overseeing inventory and quality control. He took pride in doing his work well and helping others.Carl was strong, determined, and full of character. He could be firm and direct, yet he also had a loving and caring side that will be remembered by those who knew him best.In January 2023, Carl was formally diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dementia. Despite the challenges of the illness, he faced each day with courage while trying to maintain the independence he valued so deeply.Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Clara Bowie; his brother, Kerry Bowie; and his son, Carl Jr. Bowie, who was stillborn.He leaves to cherish his memory his two daughters, Ashley and Demaria; four grandchildren; four brothers, Rory, Donald, Raymond, and Gregory; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.Carl will be remembered for his strength, his skills, his faith, and the lasting impact he had on all who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed.“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7My Dearest Carl,In the quiet curve of our daughter’s smile, In the way she stands, or thinks a while, the way she moves, the grace she carries, the now broken heart she has of losing you.You were the anchor in her life steady and deep, A promise made that the heart will keep.Though your voice is a whisper on the breeze, And your steps no longer moves through these, YOU live in the stories we choose to tell, In the "remember whens" we know so well.To us you gave the best of your soul— The strength to be kind, the heart to be whole.You are now the shadow that guards our sleep, The secret strength when the hill is steep.We look to the stars when the night is blue, And find the one that shines most true.That is your light, forever un spun, Watching your children, grand babies, every one.Though you had to leave before you were through, your love is the compass that sees them through. For a father’s love doesn’t end with a breath; It is the one thing stronger than death.May you rest in peace.Hug our son so tight tell lil Carl everything is alright.Love, Daphine