Deacon Robert Bowie

December 24, 2016

Deacon Bowie, 91, transitioned from this earthly life to Heaven on December 24, 2016. Robert was born in Birmingham, Alabama on November 24, 1925 to the late Joseph and Lillie Mae Bowie. He and the late Iona Beverly Bowie would have celebrated 73 years of marriage this coming January 7. He was the father of 8 children (his oldest and only son William passed in 2006). World War II Navy Veteran, stationed in Guam and Okinawa he served as a ship cook. Upon completion of his duty he was employed with Pure Oil Refinery and held various other jobs. After employed for 20 plus years in 1992 he retired from Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority. Over 60 years ago, Mr. Bowie volunteered to help coach the pee wee and colt teams for Gunkel School. He brought together countless numbers of disadvantaged boys and young men. Coach Bowie inspired hope, sportsmanship, proper manners and a winning attitude to both his players and their parents. Grill Master Bowie “aka” Daddy Joe's Olde Fashion Bar-B-Que was known throughout the country for his famous homemade sauce and terrific ribs. He was a former member of Calvary Baptist Church where he was ordained as a Deacon. While at Calvary he created the recreation department and coached the girls' softball team. In 1971 he and his family join the True Vine Missionary Church where he was still active serving as the advisor and past director of the recreation and youth ministry, Pastors Aid committee, former chairman of Deacon Board and a past member of City Wide men's chorus. Deacon Bowie's life motto was “Let your Light Shine”, render help to others especially to young people. Mourning his death are his seven daughters, Beverly (Titus) Duren, Eastover, South Carolina, Sandra Mohlomi, Maryjo Bowie and Rosalyn Bowie all residents of Los Angeles, CA, Shelia Williams, Youngstown, Ohio, Lucky Bowie, Toledo, Ohio and Stephaine (Harold) Williams, Las Vegas, Nevada; 11 grandchildren; 14 great- grandchildren; 4 great-great- grandchildren; twin sisters, Dorothy Tankersley, of Detroit, Michigan, Billie Jean (Rev. Dan) Barnett, Fremont, Ohio; in-laws, Jean Beverly, Birmingham, Alabama, Laura Jerald, Greensboro, Georgia, Claude Beverly, Berkeley, CA; god-daughters; and a host of nieces, nephews, ball players and friends. Visitation will be Thursday Dec. 29, 2016, 5-8 p.m. Dale Riggs Funeral Home Chapel, with wake services Friday, Dec. 30, 2016, at 10 a.m. followed by Celebration Services 11 a.m. at The Worship Center 2210 Collingwood Blvd., Bishop Pat McKinstry pastor and officiant, with Rev. Cecil Jerome Graham pastor of True Vine Baptist Church assisting the officiant www.dalefh.com