Bruce W. Bowles' Obituary
Bruce W. Bowles, humble servant of Jesus Christ, loving husband, father, and grandfather was welcomed to his eternal home by his Lord and Savior on Sunday morning, June 24. He peacefully passed away at his home, in Dallas, at the age of 87.Bruce was born in North Kansas City, Missouri. His parents led him to a life of active church involvement and acceptance of Christ as Savior at age seven. Following high school graduation, he joined the Air Force in 1951 and was assigned as a C-119 radio operator at Scott Air Force Base in Belleville, Illinois. While there and as church secretary for Westview Baptist Church, he met the love of his life Phyllis Uhles – they married November 14, 1952 and enjoyed a honeymoon on a three -day pass. After military assignments in Arizona and Illinois, Bruce moved the family to Waco in order to complete a Finance degree from Baylor University. After graduation and a brief stint with the Buccaneer Stamp Company, the family moved to Dallas where he became an officer with Lakewood Bank & Trust. Mary Hardin -Baylor College called Bruce to Temple in 1969, where he provided fundraising leadership to the college. After four successful years in higher-education, Bruce became President and Chief Executive Officer of the Baptist Church Loan Corporation and also founding President of the Texas Baptist Financial Services, Inc. – humbly serving about 2,000 congregations in Texas and beyond. He retired in 1999 to spend more time with family and his volunteer interests: Bible study teacher, deacon, church mission trip volunteer, choir member, supportive parent in countless activities, board member and community volunteer in activities too numerous to recall. His daily life bore witness of his love for his Lord along with his compassion and love for people. He was a blessing to all he touched. He was a man of strength, deep conviction and humor, who absolutely lived life to the fullest .The family will receive visitors at Restland Funeral Home from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. on June 28. A private interment will precede a public memorial service on 2:00 p.m. on June 29 at Gaston Oaks Baptist Church, Dr. William Pinson presiding. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Bruce Bowles Church Fund of the Baptist Church Loan Corporation or to a charity of your choosing in his honor.He was preceded by his parents, Floyd and Genevieve Bowles of Liberty, Missouri. He is survived by his wife of over 65 years Phyllis, daughter Cindy Emory, son and daughter-in-law Jeff & Dawn Bowles; grandchildren Brad & Meag Bowles, Courtney & Jared Milligan, and Andrew Bowles; great grandchildren, Nora Bowles and Madelyn Milligan. He leaves a legacy of unfailing, sacrificial love, servant leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the gospel. The family expresses great appreciation to his physicians and our friends from Acappella In-Home Care and Faith Presbyterian Hospice for their attentive and loving care.
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