Ray Allen Bowman, 73, of Cave Junction, died July 8, 2022 at his home.
Ray was born on March 12, 1949 in Paw Paw, Michigan to Ray and Philomena (Abruzino) Bowman. He was little brother and forever best friend with his big brother Charles (Charlotte) Bowman. He received his certification in dental technology in 1968 and worked as a dental technician for 30 years, starting off serving in the U.S. Army at Ft Sam Houston, Texas for a year, then Vietnam in 1970. After an honorable discharge, he relocated to Michigan, where he and his wife raised their two sons, Ray and Robert.
One of the highlights of his life was traveling with friends and family throughout Europe during his year in Cologne, France while studying French. He moved with his family to Cameroon, Africa in 1985 and served at the Adventist Dental Clinic, in the capital city of Yaoundé until 1990.
Ray was an avid musician on the guitar, banjo and ukulele. His hobbies included fishing, bicycling, motorcycling, off-road jeeping and wood burning. He loved spending time with God in the great outdoors.
He was known for his quick wit, his infectious laugh, and his kind and compassionate spirit.
Ray was preceded in death by his father and mother. He is survived by his sons, Ray (Danica) Bowman and Robert (Diana) Bowman, a stepdaughter Heather (Bill) Martin, stepson Richard Scull, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Arrangements with Illinois Valley Funeral Directors.