Dr. Richard Franklin Bowling passed away on Thursday May 9, 2024. Born in Shelby on October 28, 1928, he was the son of Margaret Lois Putnam and Josiah Covington Bowling, Jr.
Dick (as he was called) was educated at Shelby High School and graduated in 1945. He graduated from Wake Forest University where he received a BS degree in 1949. Fulfilling his ambition since his early teenage years, he was accepted as medical student at Bowmen Gray School of Medicine in 1949. He received his MD degree 4 years later in 1953. Afterwards he went to New Orleans for a one-year internship at Touro Infirmary. Deciding to specialize in general and thoracic surgery he returned to Baptist Hospital in Winston Salem, N.C. where he completed his training spending 4 years in general surgery and 1 year in thoracic surgery, the last 4 months of which included performing chest surgery at the Tuberculosis Sanitorium in Black Mountain, N.C. He served 2 years in the military as chief surgeon at Forbes Strategic Air Command Base, in Topeka, Kansas. While there he received 2 commendation medals for his efforts in the hospital which was approved by the American Hospital Association. After 6 years of training and 2 years of service in the military he returned to his hometown in Shelby with his wife and 3 children to begin his practice with Shelby Surgical Associates. He remained there until 1994 when he retired at 65.
Dick spent most of his retirement years traveling with his devoted wife, Betty, and their children and grandchildren, especially while visiting many of our national parks and points of historical interest. Many other times were spent with family and friends on annual beach trips. He also enjoyed fishing, golf, tennis, hunting and especially gardening. He was a member of Shelby Presbyterian Church where he taught Sunday School, served as an elder, was active as a Stephen Minister, and served on several committees. He also served several years as a board member of the Salvation Army. With profound influence from his grandfather, Reverend Frank Putnam and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Dick's service as a Christian went well beyond the church. He considered his profession in the medical field his ministry.
He is survived by his loving wife of 74 years, Betty Lutz Bowling, his three children, Karen Bowling Bridges, Kathryn Bowling Bridges and husband Don, Richard Franklin Bowling II and wife Susan; nine grandchildren; Rachel Hamrick (Philip), Michael Smith (Olympia), Jonathan Bridges (Farah), Kate Bridges (Ashley), Forest Bridges, Tripp Bowling (Lynn), Julian Bowling (Victoria), Webb Bowling, and Holt Bowling and eight great-grandchildren; Scarlet, Salem, Aidan, Andrew, Layla, James, Joey, and Ulysses.
He was preceded in death by his parents Lois and J.C. Bowling, two sisters and their husbands, Majorie Lee Crook and husband Cecil, Betty Jane Moss and husband Joe, paternal grandparents, Lettie Bowling and J.C. Bowling Jr., and maternal grandparents, Eliza Putnam and husband Frank Putnam.
There will be a Celebration of Life Service at Shelby Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 4PM Rev. Drew Mangione and Rev. Dr. Rick Bowling. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall immediately after the service. Any flowers should be sent to Cecil Burton Funeral Home and Memorials can be made to the Salvation Army, Hospice of Cleveland County, Shelby Presbyterian Church, or Westview Baptist Church.
Online condolences may be made at www.cecilburtonfuneralhome.com
Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is compassionately serving the family. |
