AUGUSTA — Raymond Bowen,

resident of Augusta, Ark., was called to his Heavenly home on Thursday, August 5, 2021. He was 76 years old. Raymond was born in Augusta, on August 14, 1944, to Chester and Agnes Gipson Bowen Jimerson. He attended his school years in Augusta Schools and returned upon graduation from Arkansas State University to begin his teaching career in the fall of 1966, where he taught mathematics for 38 years. It was a career chosen by accident and one that he thoroughly enjoyed. He had a love of teaching and watching their “little minds grow.” He would want them all to remember, “Cheaters Never Win, and Winners Never Cheat!”

Raymond married Barbara Fitzpatrick on March 24, 1967. They have one daughter, Melissa who resides in Houston, Texas; two grandsons, Michael in Houston, Texas, and Matthew in North Las Vegas, Nevada; four great-grandchildren, Ahmad, Maddox, Michael, Jr. and Milli. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Josie Fitzpatrick; sister-in-law, Lottie Bowen; nephews, Bobby Bowen (Joy Lynn) and Larry Bowen, niece, Brenn and nephew, Slade; niece, Olivia Anderson, Kaitlyn and Carly and special, Gipson cousins with whom he enjoyed many fun times together. His brother, Lloyd Bowen pre-deceased him in 2015.

Raymond was a deacon at the First Baptist Church in Augusta for 42 years and taught Sunday School at various times throughout the years. He had a love for his Lord, family and people. His family, former students, faculty and friends have blessed him beyond measure throughout his life; especially “Remembering When” and Augusta Days.

A graveside funeral service was held on Sunday, August 8, 2021, at 2 p.m., at the Augusta Memorial Park with Bro. Jason Whitmire, pastor of First Baptist Church, officiating. Raymond’s nephew, Bobby Bowen, shared personal comments. Arrangements were entrusted to Powell Funeral Home of Woodruff County. www.powellfuneralhome.net.