Charles P. BOWLES Jr.

YORKTOWN - Charles Pardue Bowles Jr. 'Charlie' passed away at home on Sunday, June 20, 2010, surrounded by the love and support of his family.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Barbara Farley Bowles; his daughter, Stacey Bowles of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; his son, Charles P. Bowles III and his wife, Lori; and two grandchildren, Charley and Kelsey Bowles, all of Yorktown.
Charlie graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a BS in Industrial Relations. He was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order and was in the Air Force ROTC program, where he received his commission as a 2nd Lt. During his Air Force career, he also attained a Master Degree in Public Relations.
Charlie served his country for 22 years as an officer in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a Lt. Col. He then worked in this area for another 15 years for various aerospace companies in the field of avionics. He made many lasting friends from his years in the Air Force and many more recent ones through their common interest in various aspects of military history. Everyone knew Charlie as someone who was ready to do anything for a friend, someone who had a great sense of humor, and someone who enjoyed talking to anyone, anytime, on any subject.
Even though the condition that lead to his death was brought on by his exposure to Agent Orange, during his tour of duty in Vietnam, he always maintained that he was proud and glad to have been able to serve his country when and where he was needed and he meant that from the bottom of his heart.
He was totally devoted to his wife, children, and two grandchildren, and always expressed how lucky he felt to have them and how much God had blessed him over the years in so many ways. He will be so very much missed by all of them, as well as his precious toy poodle, Scarlet.
Viewing will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. tonight, June 22, at Peninsula Funeral Home. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 23, at Orcutt Baptist Church, officiated by Dr. Reginald Warren, assisted by the Rev. Kenneth Trinkle. Burial will follow in Albert G. Horton Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk.
The entire family wants to express their great appreciation to Personal Touch Hospice Care, for the overwhelming help they have supplied, not only to Charles but to the family as well.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make donations to Orcutt Baptist Church, where Charles was a member, located at 653 Baxter Lane, Newport News, VA 23602.
Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.