Ronald Bowling

Ronald "Ronnie" Greene Bowling, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away at Rex Hospital in Raleigh NC with family by his side on December 31, 2024, after a long battle with heart disease. He was 74 years old.

Born on November 29, 1950 at Rex Hospital in Raleigh, Ronnie was the son of Wallace and Ella Greene Bowling, who both proceeded him in death. He grew up in Oxford NC, where his formative years were marked by a deep connection to the land, which would become a guiding passion throughout his life.

Ronnie was a proud graduate of JF Webb High School and North Carolina State University, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering in 1976. His education and love for farming led him to a life-long career in agriculture, where he found fulfillment as a tobacco farmer for decades. He later transitioned into construction grading for the final years of his hard-working life. He was also an active member of the Granville County Soil and Water Conservation Association.

Ronnie was a veteran of the NC National Guard. He served as a Staff Sergeant for eight years, a testament to his patriotism.

Ronnie never met a stranger. If he didn't know you, he would ask your name, and after acquiring your name, he could usually tell you the history of your family. He had a fantastic memory.

Ronnie is survived by his three children, Dana Hancock (Justin) of Cary NC, Leah Short (Stuart) of Holly Springs NC, Ron Bowling currently training with the US Army at Fort Novosel AL, and four grandchildren, Natalie and Rey Hancock and Nathan and Brooks Short. Ronnie also belovingly leaves behind his brother, Danny Bowling (Linda) of Oxford NC, and sister, Vicki Brafford (Grady) of Roswell GA, his former wife and mother of his children, Bonita Brame, as well as nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Special thanks to Ronnie’s close friends: Barbara Nelson, Sears Day, Madison Hedgecock, and Dryl Watkins

His life will be remembered by his family and many others throughout the community, and his spirit will remain in the Bowling home place and the fields that he worked across Granville County.

The family has held a private celebration of his life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Providence Baptist Church in Oxford.