William (Bill) Bowen

William Edward (Billy) Bowen was born on December 25, 1929, to Willie and Bertha Bowen in Aberdeen, Mississippi. He attended Becker High in Becker, Mississippi, and attended Pentecostal Bible Institute in Tupelo.

Billy and Annie Katherine Law were married on September 17, 1949. They had three sons: Larry, Ricky, and Jonathan. Billy received the Holy Ghost and was baptized in Jesus’ Name in the fall of 1956, at the Nettleton Pentecostal Church where George Hill was Pastor. He attended Amory Pentecostal Church from 1956-1960, pastored by Brother Lee J. Edwards.

Brother Bowen was elected to serve as pastor of the First United Pentecostal Church in Aberdeen in October 1960, and served until 2002, a total of 42 years. He took over an exceedingly small facility. He envisioned the present sanctuary and built the Family Life Center that is part of the facilities today. He was responsible for the beginning of the Pentecostal Day Care Center, which has been a service to the community of Aberdeen for 40 years. He was known as "Papa" to all the children.

In his earlier years as pastor, he personally took care of the church financially. In October of 2002, the church became debt free of all financial obligations due to his wisdom and guidance in financial matters. His business occupation was General Contractor and owner of Bowen Construction Company. He evangelized at different churches all over the United States during his ministry. He also served on the Mississippi District Board of the United Pentecostal Church for several years.

After a remarkably successful ministry that spanned over four decades, God took Brother Billy Bowen to his eternal home on December 17, 2002.