Johnnie Harris Bowie
January 28, 1946 - August 26, 2016
Johnnie "John" Harris Bowie, age 70 of Lucedale, MS, passed away Friday, August 26, 2016 at his home, peacefully
with his wife and lifetime companion at his side.
John was preceded in death by his parents Billy Lee Bowie and Annie "Ann" Laurie Harris Bowie and his younger
sister Patricia "Patsy" Carolyn Bowie Statter.
John is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, JoAnn Bowie; his four children, Jason Bowie of Lucedale, MS, Jon
Bowie and his wife Kerri of Daphne, AL, Josh Bowie and his wife Holly of Ocean Springs, MS, Jerica Rossi and her
husband Patrick of Prattville, AL; his sister Peggy Hayes of Jacksonville, FL; his ten grandchildren, Haley Bowie,
Elise Bowie, Emma Kate Bowie, Hannah Bowie, Ava Bowie, Andrew Bowie, Alexis Bowie, Isabella Rossi, Elisabeth
Rossi and Olivia Rossi; his numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
John was born in Union, MS, January 28, 1946. He attended high school in Mobile, AL, at B.C. Rain. After high
school he joined the U.S. Army and served his country abroad during the Vietnam War. Upon returning home
from his service he found a career opportunity with the telephone company, South Central Bell. He worked in
various roles with South Central Bell and its successor BellSouth Telecommunications for over 25 years until his
retirement. During his years with the telephone company he was transferred for advancement opportunities from
Mobile, AL, to Chattanooga, TN, to Laurel, MS and eventually to Lucedale, MS. During his career with and after his
retirement from the telephone company John discovered his calling to entrepreneurship in several small business
ventures. He, JoAnn and the family developed and operated The Bowie Berry Farm in East Jackson County, MS,
during the 1980's. He owned and operated the Ace hardware store in Agricola, MS. He owned and operated
Tipton Apartments in Agricola, MS, as well as West Side Apartments in Lucedale, MS. He also formed, with his son
Jason, Clearpoint, Inc. of Lucedale, MS, which operated successfully for 15+ years providing a full range of utility
construction services for the telephone company and other utility companies across the Mississippi Gulf Coast and
Greater Mobile area. John Bowie was widely regarded as an expert in the telecommunications construction
industry and was highly respected by his peers. He found joy in the work and dedicated his career to service.
During the final years of his career and until his passing he worked alongside his sons Jason and Josh in a new
business venture, Underground Solutions, Inc.
John was a dedicated member of St. Lucy Catholic Church in Lucedale, MS. Along with his wife, JoAnn; he was a
very active member in the church community. He served many, many years in various roles with the church and
dedicated uncountable hours to the St. Lucy church family. John had a true calling to service and had no greater
duty than to his Lord.
After God, John's priority was his family. John and JoAnn taught all of their children the importance of faith and
service to God. John taught his children love, charity, respect, diligence, patience, kindness and humility. John
shared his passion for work with his children and taught them the value and joy of hard work. John enjoyed
spending his spare time with his children, his grandchildren, his extended family, landscaping, gardening and
many other outdoor activities.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, August 29, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Lucy Catholic Church
in Lucedale, MS. Interment will follow the funeral mass at Magnolia Garden Cemetery in Lucedale, MS.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Catholic Social Services.
Sigler Funeral Home, 601-947-3112, www.siglerfuneral.com, 4248 Main Street, Lucedale, MS,
is in charge of arrangements.