Robert Leon Bowman Jr., 85 of Whitwell was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, December 23. Born on December 25, 1939 in Sewanee, Tennessee, he was the son of Robert Leon Bowman and Mable O’Neal Bowman. He was a graduate of Marion County High School and served in the United States Air Force for six years in Savanah, Georgia. Robert was married to the love of his life, Janice Alline Gholston Bowman for 64 years until her passing. Their life together was marked by devotion, hard work, and a deep commitment to family. He was employed by Coronet Carpet and Olan Mills as a Data Processing Director. He did mechanical work with his brother Billy. He was self-employed in manufacturing and selling horse equipment. He finished his work career of 12 years at R. W. Bowman Saddle LLC.
Robert is preceded in death by his father Robert Leon Bowman, mother Mable O’Neal Bowman, wife Janice Gholston Bowman and brothers Billy Bowman, Connie Bowman and Samuel Bowman.
Left to cherish his memories are his son Wayne (Bonnie) Bowman, daughter Sissy (Kenny) Webb, grandchildren Hannah (Adam) Turner, Bailey (Jake) Gann and Peyton (Jared) Sheets, eight great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, as well as other family members and special friends.
Visitation was on Sunday, December 28 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Monday, December 29 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Tate Funeral Home in Jasper.
Funeral services were also on Monday, December 29 at 1 p.m. in the Chapel of Tate Funeral Home in Jasper, with Pastor Ronnie Case and Pastor Wayne Bowman who officiated.
Robert was laid to rest on Monday, December 29 at Sequatchie Valley Memorial Gardens in Jasper immediately after the funeral services were held.
Pallbearers were Chris Bowman, Paul Gholston, Josh King, Bristol King, Jake Gann and Jared Sheets.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Tate Funeral Home, LLC, 950 Mel Dixon Lane, Jasper, Tennessee 37347, 423-942-9500.
The Marion Tribune – January 1, 2026