Tributes

BOWNS GEORGE ARTHUR BOWNS Retired Master Chief Petty Officer Submarines, U.S. Navy January 29, 1936 - February 5, 2024 George Arthur Bowns, 88, beloved husband of Judy, passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer on Monday, February 5, 2024, surrounded by his family at his home in Conway, South Carolina. George, also known as "Spud", was raised in Sloatsburg, New York. He graduated from Tuxedo High School in 1953, joining the Navy that same year and eventually retiring as Master Chief Petty Officer. The Navy was an integral part of his life; George served on the USS Stickleback (SS-415) and told many stories about the sinking of the boat. He also served on the USS Bluegill (SS-242) and the USS Nathan Hale (SSBN-623). After his discharge from the Navy, his life centered around living, working, and golfing in Maryland (8 years) and Virginia (43 years). His civilian career included stints with Vitro, DataTape, CACI, and ManTech. During his time in Virginia, George enjoyed golfing (a lot) with frequent 19th hole wrap-ups at Ned Devine's Irish Pub. It was his favorite place to go and share good times with his friends. In addition to golf, he was an avid Washington sports fan (with a particular passion for the Washington Nationals), through good times and bad. George became a reluctant theater aficiona- do, his wife Judy (co-founder of The Cappies) "encouraged" him to come along to many Cappies Galas. They also attended many per- formances at the Kennedy Center over the years. He also had an affinity for old cars that "did not run well"...and they were usually in that same condition when he eventually parted with them. He also never met anyone to whom he would not lend a helping hand, including free storage, interest free loans, borrowed cars, and even occasional live-in arrangements. George learned to love small dogs as pets, he and Judy shared many over their 44 years. Henry, their bichon frisé, is the current king of the house and promised to look after Judy. After moving from Vienna, VA, to Conway, SC, he renewed his passion for yard work and learned the fine art of main- taining a pool. George continued to golf and played actively until a month ago. George leaves his wife of 44 years, Judy; his sister, Winnie Beatty; his children Timothy (Patty) Bowns, Gamble McCown, and Jenni- fer Kremonas; and his former wife, Carole Bowns, the mother of his children. He also leaves grandchildren Christopher, Colleen, Carter (Cassie), Holly (Luke), Bo, Lily Claire, Taylor, Trevor, Zachary, and great-grand- daughter Agnes. George was preceded in death by his parents Elizabeth and Raymond Bowns, son Scott Bowns, stepson Mark Szy- manski, brothers David Bowns and Raymond Bowns, sister Midge Bowns, son-in-law Chris Kremonas, and grandson Peyton Kremonas. A Celebration of Life will take place in North- ern Virginia in the coming weeks (details to follow on social media). Final interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery.