Bruce James Bowden, age 68, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026, at Emory Hospital in Decatur, Georgia.

Bruce was born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Clay County, Alabama. He made his home in Newell, Alabama, where he lived for 45 years and became a valued member of the community.

He was married to his beloved wife, Peggy Bowden, for 45 years. Together they built a life centered on family, hard work, and laughter.

Bruce retired after a long and dedicated career, most recently spending 18 years as an electrical technician and team lead at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama in Talladega. 

He was known for his quiet, warm, and joyful nature. Bruce will be fondly remembered for his infectious laugh, quick wit, and gentle sense of humor, as well as the deep love he had for his family. He enjoyed woodworking, working on his land, and caring for his animals. In the past year, he took great pride in learning how to hatch guinea fowl and successfully raised more than 30 guineas, along with ducks. Bruce also loved to travel, with recent trips including San Antonio, Texas, and earlier visits to Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, and Seattle.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Peggy Bowden; his daughter, Beth Bowden, and son-in-law, Robert; his sisters, Donna Smith (Steve) and Sandy Thomas; his brother-in-law, Phillip Lambert; his niece and nephew, Caleb Duke (Amy) and Courtney Duke; and his great-nieces and great-nephew. He is preceded in death by his parents and a niece, Susan Thomas.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Union Baptist Church on Old Highway 431 in Woodland, Alabama. Bruce will lie in state from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at the church.

Bruce will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and family man whose quiet kindness, warm laughter, and joyful spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Union Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.