Senate Resolution 229
By: Senators Beach of the 21st, Gooch of the 51st, Dolezal of the 27th, Kennedy of the 18th,
Dixon of the 45th and others
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing and commending Rudy Bowen for his service on the Georgia Department of
Transportation Board; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, Rudy Bowen has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to service, leadership,
and community development, earning him the distinguished honor of being named the 2024
Gwinnett Citizen of the Year by the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, a native of Atlanta, he and his wife, Jean Kirby, purchased their first home in
Gwinnett County in 1964; and
WHEREAS, a former lumber salesman, he founded Bowen Family Homes in 1969, and over
the next five years, he constructed an average of 50 homes a year, earning his reputation as
a builder of high-quality mid-range houses; and
WHEREAS, his contributions to the county extend beyond homebuilding and include service
on boards such as the Lake Lanier Recreational Authority, the Gwinnett Airport Authority,
the Gwinnett Board of Appeals, and the Johns Creek Hospital Board in addition to his role
as a deacon at Johns Creek Baptist Church; and
WHEREAS, in 2007, he was elected to the Georgia Department of Transportation Board,
where he provided steady leadership through unprecedented times, ensuring that critical
roadwork and maintenance projects remained on or ahead of schedule, and twice served as
chairman during his 19-year-long tenure; and
WHEREAS, his dedication to both his family and his business has fostered a
multigenerational legacy, with his son, David, and sons-in-law, Mike Phelps and Tip Cape,
carrying on his homebuilding tradition, followed by his grandchildren who have also joined
the company; and
WHEREAS, Bowen Family Homes continues to construct entire communities and provide
customers with a total home buying experience to this day; and
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this remarkable individual be
appropriately honored for his enduring contributions to Gwinnett County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
recognize and commend Rudy Bowen for his service on the Georgia Department of
Transportation Board as well as extend best wishes for future health and happiness.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Rudy Bowen.