Anthony Wayne Bowling

Anthony Wayne Bowling, age 64, was welcomed into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father on June 21, 2026. He was known by his family and friends as “Tony”.

Tony was born on August 10th, 1961, in Sylacauga, Alabama to Bobby Wayne Bowling and Barbara Rich Bowling. He grew up in Childersburg, Alabama and graduated from Childersburg High School in 1979. Tony then enlisted in the United States Navy in 1979, after completing basic training in Orlando, Florida. In Tony’s honor, his dear friend and fellow submariner, Bruce Barnard, summarized Tony’s military service and accomplishments below.

After his Naval discharge, he moved to Montgomery, Alabama for a brief time and then to Eufaula, Alabama where he met and married the love of his life, his wife of 36 years, Angi. Together they moved and made Montgomery, Alabama their home when he began his career with the State of Alabama in 1987.

Tony was a caring and devoted husband, father, son, friend, and mentor. He was compassionate and had a great love for God’s creatures. He was a long time member of Eastmont Baptist Church where he taught Mission Friends with his wife for several years and served on the security team.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bobby Wayne Bowling.

Tony is survived by his loving wife, Angela Leigh Bowling; his daughter, Emilee Bowling Sipprell; his son in law, Clayton Sipprell; his mother, Barbara Rich Bowling; and several young adults that consider him a father. Memorial contributions can be made to Flatline Community Coalition Inc., Humane Society of Elmore County, or Eastmont Baptist Church.

A celebration of Tony’s life will be held at Eastmont Baptist Church on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. with visitation beginning at 1 p.m.

Tony’s Navy Service by Bruce Barnard:

Anthony Wayne Bowling, known simply as Tony to those who loved him and served beside him, joined the United States Navy shortly after graduating from high school in the summer of 1979. Accepted into the Navy’s Advanced Electronics Program, Tony was designated as a Cryptologic Technician Maintenance, or CTM, and began what would become six years of skilled, faithful, and selfless service to his country.

After completing boot camp in Orlando, Florida, Tony volunteered for submarine direct support service and attended CTM “A” School, where he was promoted to Petty Officer Third Class. He then advanced to specialized electronics training in Electronic Surveillance Measures equipment, including the submarine AN/WLR-6 ESM system and other classified systems, at the Naval Submarine School in Groton, Connecticut. Graduating at the top of his class, Tony was given his choice of duty station. He chose the Naval Security Group Detachment (NSGD) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

While assigned to NSGD Pearl Harbor, Tony was promoted to Petty Officer Second Class and served in one of the Navy’s most demanding and sensitive technical fields. He installed, tested, and maintained highly classified equipment aboard fast-attack submarines in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, San Diego, California, and Yokosuka, Japan. As a submarine volunteer, Tony was also called upon to deploy aboard submarines in support of classified special operations, including patrols aboard USS Puffer (SSN 652) and USS Drum (SSN 677).

Tony served with quiet professionalism, technical excellence, and the steady courage expected of those entrusted with difficult work far from public view. He was honorably discharged after six years of service and returned home to his beloved Alabama. His Navy awards included the Navy Unit Commendation, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Navy Good Conduct Medal, and the Navy Expeditionary Medal.

To those who served with him, Tony was more than his rate, rank, or assignments. He was a trusted shipmate, a gifted technician, and a friend whose memory will remain with all who had the privilege of knowing him.