Robert “Bob” Dale Bowles, age 65, of Rockingham, died at home last week. He was born on Sept. 16, 1944, in Rockingham, son of Clyde Columbus, and Sarah Bridget Bowles. He served four years in the Air Force following high school where he studied electronics. Following his service in the military he pursued a career in electronics, working for many years with Rockwell International in St. Louis, Mo., before returning to North Carolina about 20 years ago. Most recently he worked for Guilford Fibers in New Hill, North Carolina. He had returned to Rockingham following some complications related to a double lung transplant he received almost 10 years ago. He died in his sleep as a result of these complications.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Bridget, his father, Clyde, and his uncle George Croke.

Surviving are his daughter, Tracey Bowles Beadle, his two granddaughters Michaela (7) and Zaye (5), his brother Edward Bowles, his niece Edie Bowles Goldsmith, his nephew Edward Bowles, Jr., and his aunt Esther Dorsett.

His remains were cremated and there will be no services as his family will grieve privately.

In sincerest appreciation for his lung transplant, he would encourage friends and family to consider organ donation as a means to offer life to others, even in death.

Memorial contributions may be made, in his name, to Duke Medical Center’s Lung Transplant Program or the National Foundation for Transplants.

Online condolences may be made awww.watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home of Rockingham is serving the family.

- Paid obituary