Robert’s Obituary Consistent with his loving and genteel nature, Dr. Robert Wayne Bowles quietly passed on Friday May 17, 2019 at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport, Mississippi. He was born in Lumberton Mississippi on August 12, 1943, son of the late Robert Bowles and Catherine Snoddy. He is survived by his wife Shirley, his daughters, grandchildren, in-laws, notably two devoted brothers-in-law.
He is also survived by three siblings, and numerous nieces and nephews. Bowles received a bachelor’s degree in 1966 from then Alcorn A&M College. He continued his education at North Carolina Central University where he earned a master’s degree.
In 1976 Bowles earned a doctorate in educational administration and supervision from Kansas State University. In 1970, Bowles was appointed the university’s first director of the Office of Alumni Affairs by Dr. Walter Washington, Alcorn’s 16th president. He served as director from 1970 to 1976.
During his tenure with the university, Bowles also served in many capacities including, University Registrar, Assistant Professor, Chair of the Department of Health and Physical Education, and independently contracted with the Mississippi State Department of Education in evaluation and training. Bowles assisted in raising the first $100,000 for the university as Co-Chair of the Alumni Centennial Fund Drive in 1971. He was a charter member of the ASU Foundation, Inc. in 1973.
Bowles established the alumni annual giving program along with the Alumni Endowment Scholarship Fund and created the Alumni Hall of Honor which annually recognizes distinguished alums who have made a significant impact on the university. Among his many honors, Bowles was the Faculty-Staff Alumnus of the Year in 1986 and received the Faithful Service Award in 1992. He was elected Alcornite of the Year in 1993 and inducted into the Alcorn Hall of Honor for his career leadership and achievements in university affairs.
He served as the 13th president of the national alumni association from 1996 to 2000. Bowles was a member and Deacon at Morning Star Baptist Church in Gulfport where one of his greatest joys was singing the Watts hymns. He knew music, he loved music.
It was his life. He played a key role as a deacon and later as the Chair of the Deacon Board. He is loving wife echoes, “Bowles was often described as a humble servant.
He left marks of his servant’s heart across the Gulf Coast. Bowles believed that the one thing required of a servant is that he be faithful to his master. He put others before himself and relinquished his rights in order to serve others.
Bowles’ life was full of joy until the end because he put Christ first, others second, and himself last. He was a fan of The University of Alabama’s Football team, “Roll Tide”, the University of Kentucky’s basketball team, Golden State Warriors NBA team, and the New York Yankees Baseball team. Bowles also served his community as an Assistant and Deputy Superintendent of the Biloxi Public Schools from 1989 to 2007.
He demonstrated his commitment to excellence, hard work, measurable success, and the welfare of the entire school district. His reputation for fairness, kindness, team building, and innovation was respected among his peers, students and family members as evidenced by letters of appreciation and professional evaluations. Upon Bowles’ request, no funeral services will be held.
However, a celebration of life will take place Saturday June 1, 2019 at 11:00 AM, Morning Star Baptist Church, 2050 Thornton Avenue, Gulfport, MS.
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