Cherokee Area Council - History Moment: Larry Bowie, The Gentle Giant
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The Gentle Giant
Remembering the incredible legacy of the late Larry Bowie
Authentic, welcoming, committed, consistent, gentle, organized, helpful, friendly, patient, encouraging… These are some of the words people use to describe Larry Bowie. Mr. Bowie was known to always have a smile on his face, and to set an example of respect for others.
Mr. Bowie joined scouts with Pack 3042 in 1981, and was scoutmaster of Troop 43 from 1986 to 2020, sponsored by Dalewood Middle School. This was a primarily African American troop with strong adult leadership, providing an environment for black youth to thrive in scouting. He touched countless lives during his tenure, with over 800 boys passing through the troop over the decades. Troop 43 produced 43 eagle scouts between the early 80s and 2020, many of whom have gone on to become doctors, engineers, and other high achieving careers.
In 35 years of Troop 43 attending Skymont, Mr. Bowie attended 34 times, always favoring the campsite Possum Retreat. According to an Assistant Scoutmaster, “in all the years I worked with the troop, you could count on one hand the number of times he missed a troop meeting.” When asked why he stayed Scoutmaster so long after his son aged out of the program, in a 2015 article, Larry Bowie replied, “it’s about those kids.”
He and Troop 43 leaders wanted to provide youth with opportunities they may not otherwise have, so began a hugely successful fruit sale fundraiser that paid for annual cross country trips. From the Bahamas to Nova Scotia, New York City to Disney Land, Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon, Washington DC, Jamaica, and more! He took them caving, snow skiing, hiking, deep sea fishing, white water rafting, the list goes on.
His wife of 54 years, Sherry, supported his dedication to scouting, and herself led a Girl Scout troop for many years. He was a Den Leader, Assistant Scoutmaster, Scoutmaster, Silver Beaver award recipient, Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow, served as Nominations Advisor in the OA for years, and served on 1999 Wood Badge staff as a Troop Guide. Larry also received the Whitney M. Young Service Award for expanding scouting in underserved communities, and the George W. Norris commissioner award. An electrical engineer by training, he served in the Army for two years before beginning his 44 year career with the TVA. He was a faithful member at Orchard Knob Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and an Elder.
In the words of a former Lodge Chief, “Larry's positive effect on boys in the organization and the broader community is incalculable.”
Our condolences and prayers go to his family, friends, and loved ones.
