John Brooks Bowling, 86 was born on February 12, 1931 in Ford City, Alabama and passed away on December 28, 2017.
Brooks was the second child of Helen Whitlock Bowling and Walter Penick Bowling. He grew up in the Ford City/Brick community. He was a member of Shady Grove United Methodist Church until he married. He was a graduate of Colbert County High School, where he played center on the football team and was an active member of 4H, raising championship calves. He remained a supporter of the CCHS football program.
His first employment after high school was with Dr. James Brown doing farm research for Auburn University in Colbert and Lauderdale counties.
In 1955 he moved to Memphis to work for Grace Chemical Company and Greene’s Nursery. While living in Memphis he developed a love for antique furniture and began collecting, this remained a lifelong interest.
December 8, 1956 he was married to Peggy Alexander Bowling at Leighton United Methodist Church where they were members for many years. After marrying, Peggy and Brooks lived in Memphis until 1958. In 1959, he began working for Ford Motor Company and was a dedicated employee for 25 years. While at Ford, Brooks and Peggy purchased the Flower Box in Leighton, and he began growing tomato, pepper, and an assortment of flowering plants to supply the Flower Box. He had an unending love for nature and was especially adept at identifying trees and birds. He could grow anything from a seed or cutting.
After retiring from Ford, he began farming with his son, John. They farmed together for the next nine years. During this time he served as a supervisor of Colbert County Soil and Water Conservation District. He continued to raise cattle after retiring from full time farming.
He and his friend Billy Gotcher spent many days repairing grave markers at various family cemeteries throughout the local community. Brooks also enjoyed visiting friends and family, especially those that were homebound. After joining Sheffield First United Methodist Church, he spent many Wednesday mornings working with the Good Ole Boys maintaining the church and grounds.
Brooks and Peggy traveled to many places in Europe, the US, and Canada. He always enjoyed learning about interesting places and making new friends.
He was proceeded in death by his parents; brothers, Charles A. Bowling, F. Hugh Bowling; and sister, Barbara Bowling Kinnane.
He is survived by his wife Peggy A. Bowling, Leighton; son, John G. Bowling and wife Casey Austin Bowling, Leighton; daughter, Lynn Bowling Amoroso and husband Greg Amoroso, Decatur, Georgia; grandchildren, Joseph John Amoroso, Brooks Martin Amoroso, Dawson Brook Bowling, McCoy Brooks Bowling; and sister, Nettie Bowling.
Pallbearers will be Brooks Amoroso, Joseph Amoroso, Derrick Aycock, Tab Bowling, Matt Gargis, and Mike Gargis. Honorary pallbearers will be Harold Aycock, Cory Kuykendall, Harold McNeese, Fabian Nance, Brandon Sparkman, Cecil Sparks, members of Howard Jaggers Sunday School Class and First Methodist Good Ole Boys.
The family would like to especially thank Mary Williams, Carrine Thompson, and Juanita Holland for the loving care that they provided Brooks over the last two years. We would also like to express our unending gratitude to Good Shepherd Hospice, especially Bobbie Woods and Debbie Bradford.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Leighton Public Library, Sheffield First United Methodist Good Ole Boys project fund, or a charity of your choice.
Visitation will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 with the funeral following at noon at Sheffield First United Methodist Church. Dr. Burl Oliver will officiate with assistance by Bill Bedsole. Burial will be in King Cemetery, Leighton, Alabama.
