He was born in Chambers County, Alabama April 6, 1936 to there late William Jess Bowling and the late Bernice Frances Sims Bowling. He was a member of the LaFayette Heights Baptist Church in LaFayette, he graduated from Milltown High School in May 1954. Served in the US Air Force and was an airplane mechanic while in the service, and was a retired truck driver.

Survivors are his wife Elizabeth Adams of Pensacola, Fl., daughter Tammy Butler of Newnan, Ga., step daughter Diane Norwood of Pensacola, Fl., step son Billy Alexander of Pace, Fl., 2 sisters Frances (James H. ) Wilbanks of Opelika, Al., Rudene (Jack) Clanton of Opelika, Al., 3 step grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers John Tom Bowling and Windol Reginald Bowling.