News Summary
The Chattanooga community is in mourning following the death of Al Bowles, Jr., a beloved retired United Methodist clergy member. Bowles dedicated over 50 years to the church and is remembered for his impactful service as well as his deep commitment to education and community. A Celebration of Life Service is scheduled for June 21, and contributions may be made to a scholarship fund in his honor, reflecting his legacy of faith and service.
Chattanooga, Tennessee – The community is mourning the loss of Al Bowles, Jr., a cherished retired United Methodist clergy from the Holston Conference, who passed away on June 16, 2025. He was 86 years old and left behind a legacy of service and dedication that spanned more than 50 years within the church.
Born on May 12, 1939, in Wythe County, Virginia, Bowles had a profound impact on the congregations he served as a senior pastor in various churches across Virginia and Tennessee. His educational journey included graduating from George Wythe High School in 1956, earning a bachelor’s degree from Emory and Henry College in 1961, and obtaining a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University in 1965. In 1987, he achieved a Doctor of Ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary, further equipping him for his decades of pastoral work.
Bowles was married to Christene Blessing Bowles, known as “Chris,” for nearly 65 years, a partnership that was a cornerstone of his life. He is survived by five children: David Emory Bowles, Dreama Diane Martin (husband Eric), Christy Dawn Lim (husband Wath), Dee Ann Cain (husband Jac), and Laura L. Boyer (husband John). He was also a proud grandfather to numerous grandchildren including Chase and Chaney Martin, Christa, Titus and Rachel Lim, Emily Bowles Green, Travis, Cody, and Dylan Burnett, as well as several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. His siblings include brother Jerry William Bowles and sister Brenda Sue Crigger, also from Wythe County.
Throughout his extensive career, Bowles held significant leadership roles, including District Superintendent of the Maryville District and Chattanooga District in Tennessee. He was an active member and Chair of the Board of Hiwassee Trustees and served as a delegate to five consecutive General Conferences and six Jurisdictional Conferences. He also contributed to the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church for eight years, reflecting his commitment to enhancing the church’s mission and educational initiatives.
A Celebration of Life Service is planned for June 21, 2025, at 2:00 pm at First-Centenary United Methodist Church, where Bowles served with dedication. The family will welcome friends two hours prior to the service. In recognition of his faith and service, United Methodist ministers and members of the Morgan Sunday School Class will serve as honorary pallbearers. Following the service, Bowles will be laid to rest at Hamilton Memorial Gardens in Hixson, Tennessee.
To honor Al Bowles’ commitment to education and the church, memorial contributions may be made to the Abide Al and Chris Bowles Scholarship fund. Donations can be sent to First-Centenary United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 208, Chattanooga, TN 37401. Al Bowles was known for his deep love and appreciation for the United Methodist Church and its connectional structure, a sentiment that encapsulates his years of dedication.
The loss of Al Bowles, Jr. will be felt deeply by his family, friends, and the communities he served. His life’s work exemplified compassion, guidance, and unwavering faith.
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Albert Bowles Obituary
- Wikipedia: United Methodist Church
- Times Free Press: Jeffrey Alper Obituary
- Google Search: United Methodist Church History
- Lane Funeral Home: Matthew Aaron Thurmond Obituary
- Google Scholar: United Methodist Church Leadership
- Heritage Funeral Home: Lila Lee Arp Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
- Legacy.com: Tina Hicks Obituary
- Google News: Obituaries in Chattanooga
