Worth Byron Bowman III

Buddy was the cherished husband of Ingrid and adored father of Joseph, Timothy, David, and Alexandra. He was the anchor in each of our lives. His quiet confidence and strength were something we counted on and will miss deeply. His compassion was overflowing. He was always a soft place to land and was there to listen, guide, offer gentle advice, and provide solid assurance that you already knew the answers. What we will miss most is the certainty that whatever Buddy said would always be something that none of us had thought of before. His immense creative wisdom was one of the rare gifts he had, among many. He was a joy to talk with about any topic, and his incredibly intelligent sense of humor was completely unmatched. Buddy was extremely humble, and his focus was on shining the light on others. His presence alone was incredibly peaceful with such profound comforting strength. Ingrid especially loved holding his strong hands and would often tell him that she couldn’t wait to get home and jump in his shirt pocket. She will desperately miss waking up to him playing the guitar or the piano, all original songs that she’ll now only hear in her heart. He was an incredible romantic, whose passion defined how he lived and what he created. Buddy dreamed big and encouraged everyone to do the same. His dreams were all about making everyone else’s come true. He was the very definition of a good and steadfast man.

Buddy and Ingrid built a beautiful life tucked away in a wooded part of Raleigh. Their home and backyard was their favorite place on earth. Working in the yard, enjoying the day with their kids, dogs, and chickens was truly their heaven. He was the best person she’s ever known, kind, hilarious, creative, gentle, selfless, and strong. When the kids were little, he had musical instruments, tools, wood, and many other creative materials around the house. His belief was that they might discover a passion if they simply knew it existed. Today, all the kids have incredible talents that were fostered by his discreet orchestration.

Buddy enjoyed working hard, and with his hands. His creations were often inspired by nature, transforming iron and wood into beautiful sweeping curves of spirals and helixes. From extravagant iron gates, to ornate iron window boxes, exquisite wooden chairs, cutting boards, or other one of a kind works of art, he made it look fun and effortless. We loved hearing about what he was working on and listening to the thought process behind each stage of his masterpieces. Buddy didn’t think his incredible talents were anything special. He simply enjoyed the process of making them, and most of all he enjoyed giving it to someone.

Buddy’s generosity was rare. You could have anything of his, and he would give it away happily and discreetly. He loved his work with the Church in the Woods homeless ministry and the friends he made each week. He cared about them deeply. Buddy gave with his whole heart, and made you feel important. He made you believe that you could do anything. He helped anyone in any way that he could. He regularly picked up hitchhikers and offered a listening heart to many strangers.

Buddy’s career was in the Environmental Health and Safety industry. He had a special gift for connecting his profession to the human element, inspiring others to genuinely care for their own safety and the well-being of those around them.

Buddy loved music and nature - but most of all, he loved dogs. He loved our rescue dogs, Sandy, Willa, and Jojo, and all dogs that crossed his path. He also enjoyed swimming and cycling. On a Saturday afternoon, he was less than a minute from home, on his way back from a bike ride, when he was hit by a car in his beautiful, quiet neighborhood. He died instantly and did not suffer.

The family shares these reflections of their beloved husband and father.

There was nothing I couldn’t talk to my Dad about. He would make it make sense when nobody else could. From teaching me chemistry when I was growing up, to working with my hands, to how to stay good even when it was hard. Over the last ten years he had taken a huge interest in farming, we made fields together, an orchard, and a vineyard. Each project excited him more than the last. I know I’m going to have so many more questions, but there was nothing left unsaid. - Joe

My Dad was my hero in every way. In my eyes, he could do anything. He taught me the skills that built my life - fixing cars, woodworking, home repairs - and, most importantly, how to be a good man. I could call him anytime, for anything, and he always had the answer. I can only hope to live up to the extraordinary standard he set. - Tim

When I look back on everything I got to do with Dad, something that stands out most to me is his bottomless capacity for gratitude. He was so easy to please. No matter what you were doing, if he saw that you were earnestly trying he’d jump on any and every opportunity to compliment you on what you were doing. He loved to make people feel good about their work. And boy did my Dad work hard in his life to provide so much for his family. May we all strive to be so encouraging to each other. - David

Everything good about me stemmed from you. From a very young age, I attributed you as my role model - and that’s exactly who you are. Everything I’ve tried to be, and everything I aim to become. Thank you for showing me the vibrance of life when you love fearlessly and give generously. Everyone who knew me knew that as long as I had my Dad by my side, I could navigate life, and though I carry you in my heart instead, you will always be my strength behind every good thing I hope to become. - Alexandra

Things look so pale and uninteresting without you here, but I already see signs that you’re still with me forever, helping me add color. So, I am looking for beautiful things because I know that is where you are. Your sense of humor was incredible, smart, subtle, and brilliant. All we had to do was look at each other, and we knew the thread floating in the air waiting to be woven into a hilarious comment or analogy. Laughing together was my favorite. Your sophistication about music and art was astonishing. The things you would create and do around the house, without mention, were truly unbelievable. I could spend my entire life trying to build just one of your creative day projects, and still couldn’t do it. I was in awe of you - your passion, motivation, creativity, selflessness and pure heart. When I would be out running errands and ask if you needed anything, you would reply ‘passionate kisses and you’. That was our favorite song, Passionate Kisses by Mary Chapin Carpenter. You were so beautiful inside and out and I was the luckiest to be your wife and to have known such love. - Ingrid

Buddy was born in Raleigh, North Carolina. He is survived by his mother, Kay Cummings Bowman, brother Bobby Bowman, sister Bibi Rodriguez, and nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, June 3rd at 10am at St. Paul’s Christian Church, 3331 Blue Ridge Road in Raleigh. A reception will follow. Please come as you are in casual attire.