Ora Eugene Bowman

Ora Eugene (Gene) Bowman

December 6, 1937 - June 16, 2024

Ora Eugene Bowman, fondly known as “Gene”, was born December 6, 1937 in Charlotte, North Carolina.  He transitioned to his eternal resting place on Sunday, June 16, 2024 in West Palm Beach, FL.  

Gene graduated from West Charlotte High School in 1955, and married Ejines (Blackmon) Bowman. From that union, they had three daughters, Pam, Gina, and Kim.  Gene also has one son, Byron Roseboro.

Gene moved to Washington DC in 1960.  After a short employment with Lansbury Furniture Store, Gene secured employment in 1962 with John W Kluge who owned Metro Media (Channel 5), and moved his family to Loyalty Farms Estate in Waterford VA.  During his employment with John W. Kluge he perfected his culinary skills that led to publications with Julia Childs and Emeril Lagesse.  Gene was also part of the featured article in Town and Country Magazine, which highlighted the Kluge Estate in Charlottesville, VA. 

Gene was offered a position in NYC as a personal assistant and chauffeur to Mr. Kluge.  While in NYC he enjoyed seeing and touring around the city.  During the summers Gene would take the family to New Hampshire, MA to enjoy family time.

Gene enjoyed time spent with Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Peter Lawford, and other celebrities of that era.  

Gene played and enjoyed a good card game.  Many times he would get a game going, first one at the table and last one to leave.  Even though he was a quiet soul, he loved to tell off the wall jokes.  His favorite catch-phrase was “Forget About It”.

Gene retired to West Palm Beach Florida and married his second wife, Marcia Orochena, and enjoyed a life of leisure. Entertaining family and guests that came to visit, was his passion.

Gene is survived by his first wife, Ejines Blackmon Bowman; brother, Gregory Bowman; three daughters, Pamela (James) Ramey, Gina (Randy) Johnson, Kimberly Bowman; one son, Byron Roseboro; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and loved ones. 

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, Ora Matthews Bowman and Flora Elizabeth (Lucky) Bowman; sisters Maude Sartor, Evelina Lewis; brother William Harris (Pee-Wee); granddaughter Essence Nicole Bowman-Gleason.

Arrangements are provided by Lakeside Funeral Home & Cremation Care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice in Ora's memory.

Rest in peace, Ora Eugene Bowman. Your memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved you.

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