William “Bill” Franklin Bowles, beloved husband and father, entered into glory in the early hours of Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at the age of 86. Bill was preceded in death by his first wife, Glyndolyn Scott Bowles, his sister, Laura Allen, and his parents, D.T. and Edith Bowles of Breckenridge, Texas.
Born in 1931, Bill was a fetching, naughty, and lovable little boy who became a generous, playful, and humble gentleman. Bill served his nation, his state, his city and his family with dignity and compassion, demonstrating what it is to be a man of both strength and tenderness.
Bill attended Texas A&M University as a member of Squadron One in the Corps of Cadets, the university’s premier leadership training program. Bill graduated in 1953 with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. Called to active duty in 1953, Bill was assigned to the Weapon Controllers School in Panama City, Florida, and later was assigned to an Airborne Control and Warning Squadron on Fire Island, Alaska. He was discharged in 1955 as a First Lieutenant.
Bill entered law school at Southern Methodist University in 1955 under the GI Bill and passed the bar exam after two years. He practiced law part-time while he completed his Bachelor of Laws degree in 1958, and then practiced law in Grand Prairie, Texas until 2014.
In 1965, Bill married Glyndolyn Scott and raised their two children. During this time, Bill was active in the oil and gas business (1973-1992) and served as Mayor of the City of Grand Prairie (1972-1976). During his term of service, Grand Prairie won an All-American City Award (1976). Bill served as Vice President of the North Central Council of Governments and was named Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 1972. He served as chairman of three successful Grand Prairie Independent School District bond elections. When the Dallas/Fort Worth Medical Center Foundation was organized, he served as President for four years. He has been a long-time member of The Woods Methodist Church (formally Inglewood) in Grand Prairie. Bill’s beloved wife, Glyndolyn passed away in 1986. He continued to be active in his children’s lives, the church, the community, and his law practice. In 1993, Bill married Glenna Martin and they enjoyed traveling the world together and spending time with family and friends.
Bill is survived by his loving daughter Deborah, son William N., wife Glenna, her daughter Shanan (Haamed), 3 grandsons Max, Nick (Megan), and Phillip, niece Renée Julien, nephews Ray (Ann) Stokes, James (Shene) Allen, Frank (Amy) Allen, three great grand children, nine grand nieces and nephews, and seven great-grand nieces and nephews. Bill was the consummate fan and never missed an opportunity to be present and support Deborah in her sports and activities. His passion for American history, hunting, and fishing ran deep. A loyal friend to so many, Bill will be remembered for his kindness, his endless generosity, and his sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers the family kindly request donations to be made to
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the SPCA of Dallas.
