The meaningful, thick storybook on the earthly life of Ruble Edward Bowlin, Sr., of Pell City, Alabama, was closed on Monday, December 3, 2007.

He was born Tuesday, October 5, 1915, in St. Clair County to Eli Brant Bowlin and Beulah Washington Bowlin.

Mr. Bowlin is preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Gay Nell Williams Bowlin; daughter, Janice Ann Bowlin Alverson.

He is survived by his son, Ruble Edward Bowlin, Jr. and dear daughter-in-law, Lanita Bowlin; granddaughters, Bridgett Bowlin, Nichole Bowlin (Kenneth) Wheeles; great-granddaughters, Baylee Chere Newsome and Jayden Grace Bowlin; brother-in-law, Harold (Elouise) Williams; niece Mrs. Gwen (Awtrey) Peace; grand-nephews, Terry Peace, John Peace, Richard Wilkins Williams; grand-niece, Anna Elizabeth Williams.

On Saturday, October 31, 1936, at age eighteen, he married Gay Nell Williams, the great love of his life. That love affair extended almost sixty-nine years. They played together, rode motorcycles, camped and traveled together. Mr. Bowlin was widely known for his friendly manner, smile and happy greetings. He and wife Gay Nell operated Pell City Motor Company, directed his two political campaigns for St. Clair County Sheriff against a well entrenched political system and won. Soon thereafter, Mr. Bowlin became Pell City Chief of Police for sixteen years.

Mr. Bowlin was an ardent participant in World War II, serving in the U.S. Army Infantry in the South Pacific.

The family sustained the tragic passing of daughter, Janice Ann (Jan), at the age of 22, in 1968 after attending Auburn University and marrying Dr. Philip Alverson. Thereafter, the family was active in MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving).

Mr. Bowlin was a member of the First Baptist Church of Pell City.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, December 6, 2007 at Kilgroe Chapel in Pell City.

Interment was at Oak Ridge Cemetery where Mr. Bowlin was once a Trustee.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Boys Ranch.

Kilgroe Funeral Home of Pell City directed the services.