David Earl Bowman Jr.

David Earl Bowman Jr. was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on March 11, 1954. He spent most of his life in Philadelphia, graduating from Germantown High School in 1971. He was baptized at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church. In his later years, David devoted time to volunteering with Mothers in Charge, supporting efforts focused on violence prevention. His final three years were spent in Pittsburgh.

David—known to friends simply as Dave—had a lifelong passion for cars, sports, and good food. His love of driving led him to many years of work at auto dealerships, including Century Chevrolet, where he transported cars between locations. He was also an avid bowler, recognized for his powerful delivery on the lanes. And when it came to food, few things delighted him more than a great cheesesteak or a perfectly made pizza.

Friendship was a constant in Dave’s life. The Bullock family became a source of deep connection and support after the passing of his parents. He also shared more than two decades of companionship with Gail Partee and her family until her untimely death. In the last eight years of his life, Dave faced the challenge of losing his right leg below the knee. With characteristic resilience, he embraced life with a prosthetic, remaining active, optimistic, and determined. Darlene Harris became like family to Dave and served as his primary supporter and caregiver in his final years.

Family ties were important to Dave. His family called him David Earl. Early in life, he traveled often to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he spent time with relatives from his mother’s side, including his aunts Mamie and Edmonia and his first cousins—the Bennett family: Cleo, Ed, Margaret, Patricia, Mamie, and Connie. He also shared many memorable moments with the family of his uncle, Charles Long, in Washington, D.C. Two of his cousins, Donna and Robert, attended college in Philadelphia and New Jersey, giving Dave the chance to be part of their campus lives—showing up for social events, charming the young women, and always being a reliable ride when needed.

Dave is survived by his maternal first cousins: Charlene Vaughn, Ronald Long, Donna Mazyck, Robert Long, Sylvia Tolbert, Patricia Torrey, and Constance Foster. He was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Long Bowman, and his father, David Bowman.

Words of Remembrance

David Earl - Your friendship was a steady light, a warmth that never faded. You showed up with kindness, with laughter, with the simple joy of being together.

Even in hard seasons, you met life with courage and heart. We carry your spirit forward—your humor, your way of making people feel seen. Friendship was your gift, and it stays with us still.

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