Dwayne "Wimpy" Bowden

Dwayne “Wimpy” Bowden, 73, of Albany, died Friday, February 2, 2024 at the Willson Hospice House. 

His memorial service will be 10:00 AM Sunday, February 25, 2024 at Pretoria Fields. This will be a celebration of his life. 

A native of Madison, GA, Wimpy had lived in Albany for the last 60 plus years.  He was a well-known, well-loved musician who traveled and toured with several bands over the years and was a member of the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. Most folks will remember him from forming the band, Messendger. Opening for well-known bands such as Mother’s Finest and Sea Level, music was his first love. His favorite place of recent years to play was Pretoria Fields in downtown Albany. He felt like family there and loved them greatly.  

When he came off the road, at age 40 he went to school to become a nurse and did that for 24 years. Working at Palmyra Nursing Home as charge nurse in the special care unit, he was called “an angel on earth” because of his compassion for patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s. He retired early to take of his mother, Grace Bowden when she developed dementia. 

When Dwayne and Martha met, they knew this was God’s plan. Working beside each other in their charity, Moving Mountains, they gave out backpacks, clothing, household items, food and necessities. Working for the last few years partnering with Larry Hample and the Albany Rescue Mission and organizing fund raisers for various people and causes was another passion. Until health issues took over his body and mind, this was his faithful task caring for the community that he loved. 

Most of all, through all his trials and missteps in life he was a strong, faithful Christian. He served his Lord by playing with praise teams in many churches and a group called Newheart. His faith was what saw him through these trials of the few years along with the love of his life, Martha. 

Survivors include his wife Martha Palmer Bowden, daughters Brandice Ferrell (Jon), and Kate Jackson (Matthew), both of Jacksonville, FL, grandchildren, Jamison and Gregory and daughter Robin Whatley (Steve) and his sister, Rita B. Hall (James), Albany. 

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Albany Rescue Mission, 604 N. Monroe St., Albany, GA 31701.