Carl Edward Bowles
September 7, 1934 - June 14, 2024
Carl Edward Bowles, 89, passed from this life on June 14, 2024. Carl was born in West Virgina on September 7, 1934. Eventually he moved to Morganton, NC in1965 and adopted North Carolina as his home. Carl was a lifetime minister, stating that he did not think retirement possible in doing the work of the Lord. As such, he loved people and never met a stranger. Carl made friends with all people and just loved to get to know them, even if it was a stranger he met in the grocery store parking lot. He was curious about everything, loved learning new things and was a man of true integrity. Carl loved the eight churches from his lifelong ministry and never lost touch with any of them. He loved music, especially if it was religious and bluegrass, and never tired of seeing his beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Carl's three favorite things to do were probably talking, laughing and eating and he especially loved when all three happened at the same time.
Carl was preceded in death by Nelda, his wife of 66 years; his eldest daughter, Debra and her infant son, Eli. He is survived by his children, Terri Bowles, Todd Bowles (Aaron); his three grandchildren, Olivia Hodges Bauer (Matt), Elaina Hodges (Mark) and Ian Hodges (Ryan); and three great-grandchildren, Leah, Levi and Anderson.
Carl's departure would be unbearable for his family and friends were it not for his certainty that this life is merely a steppingstone on our way to being with the Lord forever. Carl's strong faith was the foundation of his life and at the end, he was so looking forward to a reunion with family and meeting our Heavenly Father.
Carl's family and friends will be celebrating his ministry, his life and his three favorite things at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 6th, at Oak Grove Christian Church, 5 Morris Rd., Arden, NC.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Bethany Christian Services of North Carolina or perform a deed of kindness for someone in Carl's memory.
Sossoman Funeral Home