Edwyn Taylor Bowen, Jr., died June 10, 2026, in Winston-Salem, NC, at the age of 96. He was born December 3, 1929, in Macon, GA, to Edwyn Taylor and Gladys Stone Bowen. He was a graduate of Decatur (GA) Boy’s High (’47), Davidson College (’51), and Emory Univ. School of Medicine (’55).
In June 1954 he was blessed to marry Rose Ellen Bowen of Winston-Salem, NC (who then became Rose Ellen Bowen Bowen). She was a professional musician at the time, playing violin in the Atlanta Symphony. He received his pediatric training at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ormond St., London, UK. After serving in the U.S. Army Medical Corps for 2 years, he practiced pediatrics in Winston-Salem for 38 years. He also served on the clinical faculty of the Bowman Gray School of Medicine/N.C. Baptist Medical Center.
His broad spectrum of enriching, part-time, summer and holiday jobs prior to becoming a physician included working as a courier in the Atlanta rail yards, construction laborer, lifeguard, delivering mail for the U.S. Postal Service, waiting tables in Myrtle Beach, and the two highlights of his pre-medical career: stick the sticks in popsicles at Southern Dairies in Atlanta and analyzing fertilizer samples at the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture Lab.
As a devoted member of Home Moravian Church since 1961, he served as Elder, Provincial Synod delegate, church school teacher, Stephen Minister, usher, and as an active participant in the Men of the Church endeavors. He worked as a volunteer at Sunnyside Ministry for 31 years, first as clinical physician, then as client interviewer. After retirement he also did volunteer medical transportation for The Shepherd’s Center and, along with Rose Ellen, delivered Meals-on-Wheels for many years. He was a dedicated blood donor for decades.
He served on the boards of the Central YMCA, Child Guidance Clinic, Horizons Residential Care Center, and Salemtowne Retirement Community. He was a member of the Stratford Rotary Club. His final years were happily spent at Arbor Acres Retirement Community.
Dr. Bowen is survived by his beautiful and beloved wife of 72 years, Rose Ellen. He is also survived by daughter Martha Bowen Sarcone of Norfolk, VA, son E. Taylor Bowen III (Joanna) of Charlottesville, VA, and four treasured grandchildren: Jay Sarcone (Kelsey), Margaret Sarcone Shaffer (Dana), Ellie Bowen, and Meg Bowen; and great-grandchildren Josie and Mollie Sarcone, and Bowen and Grant Shaffer. He was predeceased by his parents and his much loved and esteemed sister, Adelaide Owens, all of Decatur, GA.
Following a private graveside service in God’s Acre, a memorial service celebrating the life of Dr. Bowen will be held at Home Moravian Church on Friday, June 19, at 11 AM.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sunnyside Ministry of the Moravian Church, 319 Haled St., Winston-Salem, NC, 27127; or Home Moravian Church, 529 S. Church St., Winston-Salem, NC, 27101. Share condolences online at www.salemfh.com.