Billy J. Bowling

U.S. Army Major Billy J. Bowling Retired, passed away January 3, 2014 in Phoenix, AZ.

Bill is the son of Deanie William Bowling and Katie Robertson Bowling both deceased of Kinsey, AL. Bill served in the US Army as a Master Aviator in both rotary and fixed wing retiring in October 1980. After military retirement he flew for Petroleum Helicopters, Hughes Helicopters and retired from McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Co. as a Sr. Manager for Military Programs. During his military career he was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star w/2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Master Army Aviator Badge, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry w/Palm and Gold Star, Korean Service Medal, Air Medal w/V Device and Numerals 35, Vietnam Service Medal w/1 Silver & 2 Bronze Service Stars, United Nations Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Presidential Unit Citation and others. One of his proudest accomplishments was forming and commanding the US Army Helicopter Demonstration Team, The Silver Eagles. Bill was well known for his very quick wit and natural ability to tell captivating stories of his many life adventures.

Bill is survived by his wife of 28 years, Angela T. Bowling; sons, Billy J. Bowling, Jr. and Dean C. Bowling; daughters, Karen B. Eccles, Ginger B. Mather, their mother Diane B. Nowell and step-children Heather Q. Lawson and John M. Lawson; sisters, Jaqueline B. Windham, Sonja B. Harden and brother Dwight C. Bowling; eight grandchildren and 1 great grandson. The siblings that preceded him in death are Ruth B. Sowell, Bernice B. Clearman, Thurston W. Bowling, Dorman V. Bowling, Gerald Bowling and their parents.

Memorial services will be 4 pm Saturday, April 5, 2014 at Sunset Funeral Home with Military Honors following. In lieu of flowers Memorials may be made in Bill's name to the charity of your choice, Mayo Clinic Hospital, 5777 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85054 or to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85016.