Jesse Shelburne Bowles, 90, of Bassett, Virginia was called home by his Lord, Friday, March 8, 2024. Jesse was born Christmas Day, December 25, 1933 to Jesse Columbus Bowles and Ina Janes Bowles in Stella, Virginia. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Andrew Bowles, and his sister, Elizabeth Bowles Nephew.
He was also predeceased by his wife of 52 years, the love of his life, Mildred Martin Bowles in 2006.
Mr. Bowles is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Gary Gibson of Snow Creek; granddaughter, Caitlin and her husband, Andrew Tester and their daughter, Delaney of Lynchburg, Va. and granddaughter, Caroline Gibson of Salem, Va.
He is survived by his son, Elder Kenneth Bowles and his wife, Karen of Bassett; grandsons, Richard Bowles and wife Monique of Bassett, Jason Bowles and wife Alaina of Bedford, and Thomas Bowles of Bassett.
Mr. Bowles is also survived by his brother, Elder Roy and Mrs. Marjorie Bowles of Eden, NC., and many nieces and nephews.
Mr. Bowles was a 1952 graduate of Hardin Reynolds Memorial School at Critz. He was in the US Army and assigned to the 7th Army Artillery 35th Field Artillery Group HHC at Schwabisch Gmund, Germany. After returning to civilian life he graduated from the printing trade school at Danville Technical Institute.
In 1969 he and Mr. Grady Gibson founded Collinsville Printing Company and worked well into his 80s.
He was a member and served as a deacon at Good Home Primitive Baptist Church in Axton for over 50 years.
Along with a number of interests, Mr. Bowles was a master level woodworker and stringed instrument builder.
A visitation will be held from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm on Wednesday, March 13, 2023 at McKee Stone Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm and will be officiated by Elder Dan Parker. Interment will follow at Roselawn Burial Park with military honors presented by the Martinsville Henry County Military Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Good Home Primitive Baptist Church, C/O Fred Webb, 131 Hemlock Drive, Danville, Va. 24540.
The family expresses their love and sincere appreciation to the staff of Mountain Valley Hospice and very special caregiver Cathy Vann Haynes.
McKee-Stone Funeral Home, Martinsville, Va. is serving the family.
