In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two older brothers, Robert S. Bowles and Barry A. Bowles. He is survived by his wife Shirley B. Bowles, daughter Laura Bowles (Tom Laub), younger brother Stanley W. Bowles, Jr. (June), and sisters-in-law Marianne M. Bowles and Shirley H. Bowles. He is also survived by step-son Chad Bryant (Julie), step-grandchildren Conner, Chase and Charlotte Bryant, and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins and beloved friends.
David attended Martinsville City Schools, graduated from The Patterson School, and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Randolph Macon, where he was a member of the KA Fraternity.
David spent the summers of his youth in Myrtle Beach, where he learned to love swimming and other water sports, as well as dancing to beach music. Over his life he enjoyed myriad passions including showing Tennessee Walking horses, golfing, scuba diving, water skiing, fishing, and learning to fly. Professionally he worked for most of his career in the family construction business at Stanley W. Bowles Corporation, transitioning in later years to managing industrial real estate and running a logistics and distribution company.
David loved people. He was always eager to meet others, from all backgrounds and walks of life, genuinely interested in getting to know them as an individual. It was never his nature to be judgmental, and he was often the calm, deliberate voice of reason, seeking cooperation and compromise among differing opinions. He was always gracious, treating everyone cordially and with respect. David was a consummate Southern Gentleman.
The family would like to express their overwhelming gratitude to personal nurses Sandra and Stacey, as well as the entire staff of the Stuart Community Hospital for the compassionate, professional and truly outstanding care they provided.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Collins-McKee-Stone at 109 Broad Street in Martinsville on Thursday, April 30, at 1pm, immediately followed by a reception at Chatmoss County Club.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Martinsville – Henry County SPCA at 132 Joseph Martin Highway, Martinsville, VA 24112 or SPCAMHC.org.
McKee-Stone Funeral Home, Martinsville, Va. is serving the family. To express
