Wilbur Gene Bowles

He was born in Tallassee, Alabama on November 5, 1928. “Wil” graduated from Tallassee High and received a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Maryland, Master of Arts from the University of South Dakota, and Doctorate of Jurisprudence from Barry University in Orlando.

He married Betty Jean Cowan on November 7, 1948. Betty was a homemaker while Wil served two tours in Vietnam. He was stations in Japan, Italy, and many other United States bases before his retirement as Lt. Colonel in the United States Army.

He was on the board of realtors and rotary. He had a passion for his family, dogs especially Joey, his companion for 9 years, military, real estate and teaching.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Betty; his twin sister, June and brothers, John Bowles and Billy Bowles.

He is survived by his children, Sharron McKinney, Sheila Dyckman, James Bowles, and Tina Guerdan; brother, Bobby Bowles; grandchildren Monica, Tami, Cassie, Kristy, Amanda, Marcus, Michael, and Ryan; great grandchildren, Tyler, Courtney, Ethan, Grant, John Michael, Maggie, Jacob, Aaron, Allie, Declan, Evie, Samantha and Abigail, and great great grandchildren, Rhett and Remi.

The family will receive friends from 5-6 pm on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, 5000 CR 46 A, Sanford, Florida 32771 followed by a celebration of life service at 6 pm. Private interment with military honors will be held at a later date at Florida National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, Tunnel to Tower, or the charity of your choice.

For those unable to attend the celebration of life service in person, please join us for the service here:

https://youtu.be/AGw_jVhjZQ4

https://youtu.be/BMyLhiASoAY