Walter “Walt” Calvin Bowden, III

September 20, 1951 - March 27, 2017
Walter “Walt” Calvin Bowden, III

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Walter “Walt” Calvin Bowden, III, age 65, of Wilmington, passed away, unexpectedly, at his on home on March 27, 2017.

Born and raised in Wilmington, NC by the late Walter C. and Mildred L. Bowden, Jr. He was also preceded in death by his brother, William W. Bowden.

Surviving Walt is his loving and devoted sister, Melissa Griffin of Wallace; niece, Amanda A. Griffin of Wilmington; and nephew, David W. Griffin of Wallace.

Walt grew up in Wilmington totally absorbed in the music industry. He was the kindest and most gentlest of men. To know him was to love him. Walt’s passion for playing guitar and recording music was undeniable. He played with great bands such as The Sounds of Tyme, Mirage, and New Knothole Revue. He was a mentor to so many from the young to the old. Walt’s passing will most certainly leave a large void for many. He will be sadly missed and forever in our hearts.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 2, 2017 from 3-5pm at Wilmington Funeral Chapel. A Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, April 3, 2017 at Oakdale Cemetery, 520 N.15th St, Wilmington, NC 28401.

Walt’s family has been faced with serious financial challenges due to his sudden passing, any assistance you can offer would be greatly appreciated and remembered forever. Please, visit TMC Funding to offer your assistance

Please, share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Post a Condolence” tab below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S.41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099.


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  • March 30, 2017
    JD Collins Jr says:
    Walt will truly be missed by musicians around the Wilmington area. He was a really good guitar guy. My condolences to the family.

  • March 30, 2017
    Jackie Robinson Davis says:
    Some move on and leave a memory. First met Walt in the 80's, a major part of the amazingly talented music community of Wilmington. Walt has moved on, no doubt joining many old friends, no more garage bands, a heavenly band now, and a large void left for the music community and his family. A good guy who is already missed by many.

  • March 30, 2017
    Jamie Jordan says:
    Walter was great man that always had something positive to say. He loved his guitar and he loved the Patriots! I will cherish the many conversations we had over the years and hope that he is doing well up above. Footprints on the ceiling!

  • March 30, 2017
    David Finkelstein says:
    I have known Walt for at least 50 years. He was extraordinarily kind and pleasant. And, of course, a wonderful musician. He worked in, and visited my Dad's store countless times and he always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everbody. When I was a little fellow, he would talk to me like I was an adult and that made me feel like he cared about even the least important among us. He seemed to love everybody and to love life. He was a big part of the pleasant and rich culture of Wilmington. The world is diminished now with his passing. I hope they have guitars in heaven.

  • March 30, 2017
    Mike Edwards says:
    What was truly a great guy and musician. When I came to town to play drums with the sounds of tyme, Walt and his family put me up on the couch until we had another place. I remember many trips to Finkelstein's where Walt would put to use his bargaining powers we spent a lot of time down at that store. It was a great guy from a great family and he surely will be missed by many. R IP friendsee you Sunday at the big sound check in the sky.