Charles M Bowling

Charles Michael "Mike" Bowling, Sr (1946-2025)
Beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, Charles "Mike" Bowling, Sr., 78, of Winchester, Virgina, died at home, surrounded by family of pancreatic cancer on June 12, 2025.
He was born in Hernshaw, West Virgina in 1946 to Reba Violet Parsons. When he was 5, they moved to Atlantic City, NJ, where Mike spent his days playing and causing mischief with his cousins and younger brother Howard Parsons III, of Little Egg Harbor, NJ and sister Debora Anderson of Delton, FL. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Navy. While fighting for his country in the Vietnam war, Mike earned 4 medals, including one Bronze Star. After 6 years he left the Navy, and became a police officer for the Township of Lakewood, NJ, where he served until he retired 25 years later.
Mike met the love of his life, Donna in 1977. They married in 1979. They were married happily for nearly 46 years.
Mike had two sons with his previous wife Marion: Douglas Michael "Mike" Bowling, of DeFuniak Springs, Fl and Ronald "Ron" Bowling, of Farmingdale, NJ. With Donna, he shared a son, Charles Michael Bowling, Jr., of Council Grove, KS and a daughter, Christina Morgan Turner of Winchester, VA.
Though he loved gardening, music collecting, and reading, Mike's favorite role was that of a grandparent. He treasured his time with his grandkids and loved being their Grandpa or "Gpa", never failing to take them to the park or to the movies. Each and every slumber party, he never failed to make his world-famous pancakes!
Mike had a soft spot for his beloved puppy, Rowyn, who was a constant and stead-fast companion, especially in his last days. He was always at her beck and call, especially playing with her favorite toy "Octi".
Mike loved his service to his country and fellow man. He served humbly in the Navy and police force. He also owned a lawn company in New Jersey with his wife, Donna, which they had from 1990-2001 when they retired to West Virginia. They moved to Winchester, Virginia in 2017 to be closer to family.
Everyone who knew Mike knew how much he loved woodworking and gardening. During the warmer months, he could always be seen puddling around his garden, growing mammoth-sized cucumber plants and forever taming his massive clematis vines. When the weather cooled, he loved to stay busy by building things for either his garden or his grandchildren.
Mike will always be remembered for his love of country and the way he had nearly infinite patience. We'll always imagine hearing them say "If you're gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough" one more time. We couldn't have asked for a better husband, father, and grandfather and will miss Mike every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.
Mike was preceded in death by his mother Violet Parsons, and is survived by his wife, Donna, his sister, Debora, his brother, Howard, his children, Michael, Ronald, Charles, and Christina, his grandchildren, Michael, Matthew, Gabby, Alexis, Briann, Logan, David, Daniel, Samuel, Rebekah, Leah, and Hannah, with several beloved nieces and nephews and cousins.
His viewing is Thursday, June 20, 2025 at Jones Funeral Home 228 S Pleasant Valley Road, Winchester, VA 22601 from 6pm until 8pm, and the Funeral Mass is Friday, June 21, 2025 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church 130 Keating Dr. Winchester, VA 22601 at 11:30am with burial immediately following. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to Tunnels to Towers.