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Douglas Bowling Obituary
GREER, SC-- The Rev. Dr. Douglas Arthur Bowling, 71, of Greer, SC, died Wednesday, August 19, 2015, at Greenville Memorial Hospital. Born November 10, 1943 in Due West, SC, he was the son of the late Baxter and Pearl Scott Stribling.
Rev. Bowling was a graduate of Spartanburg Methodist College, Wofford College, received his Masters of Divinity at Emory University, and an Honorary Doctorate from Claflin University. He was a retired United Methodist Minister having served in numerous churches throughout South Carolina and a member of Central United Methodist Church. Doug had a servant's heart, helping whenever he was called. He never met a stranger and was a friend to all.
Survivors include his beloved wife, Marlene LeGette Bowling; daughters and son-in-laws, Cynthia Bowling McGee (Chris), and Dr. Emily Bowling Hammes (Dr. Steven) all of Anderson, SC; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sister, Shirley Foster and brothers, Charlie and Gary Stribling.
Visitation will be from 9:45 to 10:45 AM on Friday, August 21, 2015, at Central United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, with services following at 11:00 AM in the sanctuary, conducted by the Rev. Dr. Tom Norrell, the Rev. Alex Stevenson, and Dr. John Simmons.
No flowers please. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church, 233 North Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306.
Honorary escort will be the clergy members of the South Carolina annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.
An online guest register is available at www.floydmortuary.com
Floyd's North Church Street Chapel
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Douglas Bowling
Sara Todd
August 22, 2015
Marlene and family. A mighty oak has fallen. He had a strong impact on my life when I felt I had no other lifeline. Vickie, Ann and I along with many other members of Trinity would not have become the strong women we are without the encouragement and influence of Doug in our lives. Your family is and has been in my thoughts and prayers. Doug will be greatly missed by many, but especially by you, Cindy, Emily and the grandchildren.
Benjamin Bowling
August 22, 2015
He was one of my Uncles. I never met him. But may God rest his soul.
The Reverend Gerry and Mrs. Blair Young Lord
August 22, 2015
Marlene, Cindy, Emily, and Family,
I was so deeply saddened to hear of Doug's death. Doug played an integral part in my formative, teenage years while he was the Senior Pastor at Washington Street UMC in Columbia. I often referred to him as my "second dad" and he would do the same to me. He was a man of deep faith and love and compassion and I loved him so much and thought of him often. The man I married also had several connections with Doug. Gerry was a UM pastor in the South Carolina Annual Conference and we met at Erskine College in Due West where Doug was from. Doug also performed the funeral for Gerry's grandfather, The Reverend Rupert Phillips Smith, in 1974 at Midland Park UMC in North Charleston. So, in a way, Doug brought me together with my husband though a little help from God. Now Doug has taken his place as one of the Saints in Glory in the Church Triumphant. May his soul rest in peace. He will be missed immensely.
Blair Young Lord (Daughter of Mrs. Jackie and the late Doug Young)
Jim and Rosa Cherry
August 21, 2015
Marlene and family --
What a shock - what a loss! Doug was our minister and friend at Washington Street and our daughter's first "boss"; he presided at her wedding and at my father's funeral and gave us good advice along the way. I am so glad I had a chance to visit briefly with you and him on Monday. We send love and prayers to you and all the family.
Victoria Kilcawley
August 21, 2015
Marlene, Cindy and Emily I am so very sorry for your loss. I always admired Doug's spirit and selfless service. May God grant you comfort during this time of loss and through the following days. Vic (Beaver and Chrissy's Mom)
John and Cynthia Stapleton
August 21, 2015
A wonderful friend, whom to follow in ministry was a privilege. I am glad that my last words were a couple of days before when I was able to embrace him as brother in ministry and Christ.
john Stapleton and Cynthia
Mona and Bob Waddell
August 21, 2015
We are so sorry for your loss, Doug will be truly missed by many.
Carree Matthews
August 21, 2015
From all of the staff at Baptist Easley Hospital ER, we are very saddened to hear of Mr Bowling's passing. Your family will be in our prayers as our Heavenly Father holds you in His arms through this difficult time. God Bless.
Terrie Moore Howlett
August 21, 2015
My heart is heavy. Doug was such a huge, positive influence on my life as a young woman. I'm so glad I got to see him at Stephanie and Derricks wedding. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. I'll remember his smile forever.
GRIER DIANGIKES
August 21, 2015
My heart is so sad to hear of Rev. Doug's passing. He was such an inspiration to me through church and Bible Study, Thoughts, prayers, and love go to Marlene and the family . May he rest in God's Peace.
Bates and Sarah Kennedy
August 20, 2015
To Marlene and all Doug's family, we were so shocked and saddened to hear the news of Doug's passing. We loved Doug; his compassion, humor, gentleness, and kindness made him a very special minister to us at Buncombe Street UMC. He will be greatly missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Ed (Eddie) West
August 20, 2015
My prayers are with Marlene and the girls. It was over 40 years ago that Doug asked me, as a 12 year old, to play the organ for a worship service at Ben Avon UMC. Today, I still thank him as I serve as an organist and choir direct at Purity Pres. in Chester. Doug's ministry at Ben Avon was the first and only years when the small church burst at the seems and benefitted from his passion and wonderful messages. Thanks Doug for a lifetime of ministry and impact on me and so many!
Robin Boeke
August 20, 2015
Doug was so important to me and I am so sorry for your loss. He was the godfather to my daughter, Mattie Rose who died at a very young age. He was there for me through that time and without his love and caring for me and my family, I'm not sure I would have survived. He touched so many lives...
David C. Green
August 20, 2015
Marlene, I am so sorry to hear about Doug's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dawn Tillman
August 20, 2015
Marlene and family, I am so saddened to hear of Doug's passing. He was a very special person to our family and we loved him very much. Can only imagine he, mom and dad rejoicing together in heaven! Will keep all of you in prayer. Much love, Dawn Kerr Tillman
Gloria & Allan LaCoe
August 20, 2015
Thoughts and prayers to the Bowling family. Doug was a special person in our lives. He knew how to bring out the best everyone he touched. He will be greatly missed.
Melanie Carleton
August 20, 2015
This world has lost a wonderfully kind man. He was the finest pastor I've ever had, as well as a good friend. I still have a copy of one of his sermons that I refer to from time to time. Even after we both moved away from Hilton Head I was fortunate to be able to attend his church in Greenville. He will be missed.
Andrea Perdue
August 20, 2015
Four years ago today I received a phone call from my Uncle Doug. I am forever grateful for the love, grace, and mercy he extended on my behalf. His phone call was yet another step in my own healing process. God is gracious and even in the pain of one's past HE is faithful. My heart still smiles as I reflect upon hearing Uncle Doug's voice and laughter. It was a precious gift and I will forever treasure it.
Thank you, Doug for loving God enough to reach out to me. Thank you for reminding me of what's truly important. Thank you for serving our Savior faithfully through the storms of this life.
To Doug's immediate family (Wife, Children, and Grandchildren): Thank you for being the beautiful people God created you to be. Doug shared with me how precious each of you were to him and how his loving wife had walked faithfully with him through this life. What a legacy he has left behind. My prayers are with each of you.
By His mercy and in the grip of His grace,
Andrea Bowling Perdue
Kim (Pearce) Dean
August 20, 2015
I don't know which was more contagious - Doug's laughter or his compassion! Doug was like a second father to me during my teen years at Trinity, getting to know him as my pastor and as a frequent overnight guest with Cindy and Emily. I know that I am the person I am today because of the influence of wonderful folks like Doug who loved, lead, and prayed over us during a very special time at TUMC. He's left a lasting impact on so many - we were blessed to know and love Doug, Marlene, Cindy and Emily! Prayers and condolences for you all. Kim
eluzabeth Marchbank
August 20, 2015
Sad to hear that Doug has passed away. He was a very special person and officiated at our wedding in 1969 at Bethel Methodist Church in Spartanburg. Our condolences to the family.
The Rev. Mr. Gerry and Mrs. Blair (Young) Lord
August 20, 2015
To the Bowling Family, our hearts and prayers are with you all. Doug conducted the funeral for Gerrys grandfather, The Reverend Rupert Phillips Smith @ Midland Park UMC in North Charleston and he was my pastor and second dad at Washington Street UMC during his time in Columbia. He will be missed tremendously. With all our love and prayers.
Janet Williams
August 20, 2015
I am sorry for your loss. I really enjoyed Doug's sermons at Buncombe Street.
Kathy Handel
August 20, 2015
Doug, I was looking forward to connecting with you at January Adventure 2016 and experiencing the warmth from your never changing engaging smile. You were such an important pastor in my life, one who touched my heart strings. I always had a kleenex in my hand when you preached.
While your compassion was given to all parishioners, I was especially grateful for your visit at Spring Valley H.S. after the death of my father. It was such a difficult time for me and your presence in my life at that time was so comforting, so soothing.
You were a light for so many people. Now, your light has connected with those who have gone before us mortals. The energy of my love travels with you.
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