Danny William Bowlin

Danny William Bowlin

Danny Bowlin Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 28, 2024.
Danny William Bowlin
March 20, 1945 - January 17, 2024

Danny William Bowlin, age 78, passed away on January 17, 2024, in Memphis, TN. He was born on March 20, 1945, in Memphis, TN, to Mary Christine Miller Bowlin and Samuel Wayne Bowlin.

Danny will be fondly remembered as an aviator, historian, and journalist. His aviation career began in 1968 when he entered Air Force Pilot training in class 68H. Serving in the US Air Force and Tennessee Air National Guard, Danny flew cargo missions in support of the Vietnam War, earning the Vietnam Service Medal. Later, he embarked on a successful airline career, starting with Southern Airways in 1969 and retiring as a Boeing 747 Captain from Northwest Airlines after more than 30 years of dedicated service.

Aviation was not only Danny's vocation but also his passion. He had the privilege of flying the Boeing B17, World War II Bomber, known as the "Aluminum Overcast," on a nationwide tour. This experience allowed him to pay tribute to the brave men and women who served during World War II. Danny's interest in history and journalism intertwined with his time flying the B17, as he listened to veterans' stories, studied their experiences, and wrote articles to preserve their remarkable narratives. He took great pride in moderating "Warbirds in Review" programs presented in Oshkosh, WI, which were recorded as a lasting tribute to veterans and those who restore historically significant aircraft.

In his later years, Danny cherished staying connected with his many friends and sharing his love of music with his Memphis friends.

Danny is survived by his son, Jeffrey Bowlin; nephew, Bret Bowlin and wife, Cindy Bowlin; niece, Toni Bowlin Mason; sister-in-law, Connie Jones Bowlin; two great nephews, and one great niece. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Ed Miller Bowlin.

No services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Danny's memory to the Wounded Warrior Project at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/.

The funeral arrangements are being handled by Tennessee Cremations, Inc., located at 2768 Summer Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38122-3722.

Danny Bowlin will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. May his memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to us all.

(Note: This obituary has been written based on the information provided by the user. If there are any errors or omissions, please accept our apologies.)

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Danny Bowlin's Guest Book

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November 15, 2025

Captain Scott Shelton posted to the memorial.

February 4, 2024

Connie Cuoghi posted to the memorial.

January 31, 2024

Frank and Gayle Steed posted to the memorial.

Captain Scott Shelton

November 15, 2025

Danny checked me out on DC-9s at Republic. He was a great pilot and good mentor. We bonded over our interest in WW2 and aviation history.
41 years later I still think of him as I fly across the ocean or see a WW2 aircraft.
He will never be forgotten.
Very respectfully,
Captain Scott Shelton

Connie Cuoghi

February 4, 2024

Spread your Heavenly wings and keep on fling. You will be missed by many. Praying for your family and friends. I'm going to miss you my friend.

Frank and Gayle Steed

January 31, 2024

Danny and Suzanne were Best Man and Matron of Honor at our wedding in January 1972. We are very sad to hear of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jeffrey and his family.

Cheryl Gambill

January 29, 2024

Danny was a wonderful guy, my husband, Jim, and I met, at Neils. Danny loved our Band, Memphis Funk n Horns, and never missed it when we played at Neils. Jim passed away , unexpectedly, a year ago. Danny came to his Celebration of Life, and gave me a beautiful painting he had done, of Jim. I´m so sorry to hear of Danny´s passing. He and Jim are probably up there, discussing all the great Memphis Bands. Rest in Peace, Danny.

Steve Capshaw

January 29, 2024

As a young boy, we were backyard neighbors with Danny. He was always so nice to me and let me ride his 3-wheeler (the old type with the balloon tires on it). My Dad, Don Capshaw, bought my first guitar from him, a 64 Gibson F25 Folksinger. I still have it and it is one of my most prized possessions. Steve Capshaw.

Toni Bowlin Mason

January 29, 2024

Going to be missed.

Capt. L.D. Lowe

January 29, 2024

Enjoyed many years at Sou/ Rep/ Nwa with Danny, I remember answering the phone one day and Capt. Dan was on the line, he says hey LD how would you like to fly the B17? Of course i replied, he says well we will be in Asheville NC on a show this week end and flying to Knoxville Tn on Sunday so get your butt over here! Grabbed me a car rental drove from TYS to ASH and got to be co-pilot for a while on the way back, a moment i will cherish forever!

Cliff Maki

January 28, 2024

Flying as crew member on the B-17. Will never forget you.

Kent Holiday

January 28, 2024

Sharing a B17 cockpit with Danny and his extraordinary friendship are my fond memories of him. I will miss him

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Sign Danny Bowlin's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

November 15, 2025

Captain Scott Shelton posted to the memorial.

February 4, 2024

Connie Cuoghi posted to the memorial.

January 31, 2024

Frank and Gayle Steed posted to the memorial.