The Choctaw Plaindealer

Choctaw County lost a man near and dear to the hearts of many on Monday, October 30, 2006 unexpectedly when he passed away at the University Medical Center.

A husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all who knew him, there are not enough words to express what Kay Bowie meant to those who loved him.

Everyone who knows him has a good Kay story to tell about a time when he helped them out or just made them laugh. He is described as a 'jack of all trades" having dabbled in a variety of careers.

In his 65 years he served as Choctaw County Sheriff, worked as a barber, owned a Napa store in Ackerman on Main Street, and was currently serving in his second term as District 5 Supervisor for Choctaw County. He was the Board of Supervisors President and among other things represented the county by serving the Golden Triangle Planning and Development District Board.

According to those who knew him best he had a big heart and was always willing to help a fellow in need any way he could.

Bruce Burney, Mayor of Ackerman, says he remembers a time when he was down on his luck a little and he went to Bowie seeking a job and he gave him one, then years later Burney was able to return the favor by providing Bowie with a job.

Everyone has something good to say about Bowie, whether it be a time when he helped them out or if they just noticed how well he treated his fellow man.

The Choctaw County Board of Supervisors claim they too will miss their friend and fellow co-worker. As the Board President, Bowie was a large part of the meetings and the humor that frequently accompanies the meetings.

According to Archie Collins, District 4 Supervisor, the meetings and trips taken by the supervisors will not be the same without Kay.

Temporarily Bowie's wife, Charlsie Bowie, will take over as District 5 Supervisor. She will work with the four other supervisors and Don Threadgill, Chancery Clerk, to make sure the residents of District 5 are represented well. While she has big shoes to fill her fellow supervisors and other county officials are confident she will do a wonderful job as supervisor.

After being sworn in as District 5 Supervisor on Monday, November 6, 2006, she got down to business reviewing financial claims with help she took care of her first official act as supervisor, which was voting to approve the claims from the previous month.

During the meeting the board also took nominations to name a new president and vice-president of the Board of Supervisors. Larry McClain nominated Thomas Higgins as president and Archie Collins as vice-president. Chris McIntire seconded the nomination and it passed unanimously.