HAMPTON—William McKinley Bowser, died Aug. 19, 2008, at his residence.
He was born on March 10, 1942, to Wilburn Bowser and Novella Lewis Bowser, in Murfreesboro, N.C.
Mr. Bowser was raised in Newport News, and graduated from Huntington High School in 1960.
He attended North Carolina Central University and served as a member of the United States Air Force.
He retired from Newport News Shipyard and Dry Dock Company (Northrop Grumman) after 40 years of service.
He was a member of First Baptist Church East End, in Newport News, Masonic Lodge-Widow’s Son 54, and The United Steelworker-Local 8888.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Thelma Bowser Williams.
Survivors include his wife of 33 years, Elaine Pritchett Bowser; his children, Tonya D. Byrd (Stenette III) of Suffolk and Edward M. Bowser of Brooklyn, N.Y.; two grandchildren, Trae Denise and Stenette Byrd IV; a nephew, Kenneth Williams of Como, N.C.; a brother-in-law, Jeffrey Williams of Hampton; and a host of relatives and friends.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601-27th St., Newport News, Va.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Heart Association, 500 E. Plume St., Suite 110, Norfolk, VA 23510.
Arrangements are being handled by Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel Inc.