Kenneth "Jay" Bowie, Jr., of La Plata, Maryland, was born on June 10, 1979, in Frederick, Maryland, as the only son of Lavonne Gray and Kenneth Bowie, Sr. In addition to his biological parents, Jay enjoyed the benefits of a bonus father, the late Karl Gray, who played an instrumental role in shaping the great man that Jay grew into.

He was the devoted husband of Barbara Bowie for 18 wonderful years and the proud father of Deondre Bowie, Abrianna Watts, Jasmine Bowie, Ava Bowie, and Karli Bowie. His children were his greatest joy, and he spent countless hours guiding them, offering advice, and making sure they knew how much they were loved.

Jay was called home by our Heavenly Father on Friday, July 25, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and memories that will be cherished forever.

Jay spent most of his career with the City of Gaithersburg, where he worked his way up from a part-time seasonal worker to a Workforce Supervisor II. Jay is remembered dearly by many of his former coworkers who knew that they could always depend on Jay. Jay left the City following an injury and the familial need for the support of a full-time parent. He spent his next 10 years caring for his children as a proud Stay At Home Dad. In 2022, he joined UPS as a Package Handler and quickly became well-known for his reliability, strong work ethic, and willingness to go above and beyond. Jay worked at UPS at the time of his death and is fondly remembered by his coworkers past and present.

Jay was a man who loved his family and gave his all in everything he did. Whether at work or at home, he gave his best. Known as the "go-to" person in his neighborhood, Jay had a special talent for landscaping, ensuring every yard he worked on was nothing short of perfect. His skill and attention to detail were unmatched, and he took great pride in his work. At the time of his death, Jay was in the midst of launching his self-built lawn care service, Strypes by Jay Lawncare, into an LLC with major expansion and growth planned for the 2026 season. Jay started Strypes with just a few necessities and the support of his neighbors as his first customers and in two years had grown to several dozen customers in multiple cities.

Above all, Jay was a dedicated husband, father, and son. His love for his family was evident in everything he did. He was also a devoted sports fan, especially of his Washington Redskins/Commanders football team, and his energy and enthusiasm were contagious to everyone around him.

Though he has passed, Jay’s beautiful spirit, his joyful nature, and his loving heart will remain in our memories forever.

Those left to this world cherishing his memories include his parents, Lavonne Gray and Kenneth Bowie, Sr.; loving wife, Barbara Bowie; five children, Deondre Bowie, Abrianna Watts, Jasmine Bowie, Ava Bowie, and Karli Bowie; four siblings, Camille Holloman, Corelle Collins, Cathena Bowie, and Antoinette Ingram; two grandchildren, Kehlani Bowie and Kayori Bowie; nieces, Lynesha McIntyre, Diamond Ingram, Briana Jackson, and London Haslem; great-nephews, Ja’Kobe Bowens and Kayson Bowens; and countless other family members, friends, and loved ones who will miss him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to donate to a fund established to support Jay’s youngest daughters, Ava and Karli, through their future education and endeavors.