Orville "O.J." Joel Bowling

Orville Joel “O J” Bowling was born in Iuka, MS on May 24, 1930, the youngest of 3 sons.  He peacefully left this life on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at The Tishomingo Manor in Iuka with his son by his side. O J was 90 years old and of the Baptist faith.   Like so many of the young men of his generation, O J  traveled ‘up North’ in the 1950’s where his 2 older brothers were already working.  But the call of the South lured him back closer to home and he soon found his true calling as an auto and engine mechanic.  He worked for the Greyhound Bus Line in Memphis, TN and was revered as the “Master Mechanic” only because the title of ‘Miracle Worker’ was already taken.

O J came back home to Iuka in the early 1960’s working for several independent shop owners, honing his skills and gaining notoriety as the ‘go to guy’ for engine repairs.  He was the lead mechanic and shop foreman at Counce Chevrolet and McNatt Ford before fulfilling his life-long dream of owning his own shop, opening Bowling’s Garage with his oldest son, Charles, out on Woodall Mountain Road.  The two mechanics were quite a pair ‘fixing’ hundreds of vehicles, always with skillful but gentle hands regardless of the make or model.  They truly complimented each other’s expertise until his retirement in the ‘80s.

O J enjoyed fishing and hunting, telling stories and when time allowed taking short road trips with his family.  He loved his 2 sons dearly, but his greatest pride and joy were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Pa Pa O J hung the moon.

O J is survived by his youngest son, Wayborn Bowling (Debbie) and daughter-in-law Joyce Bowling; 5 Grandchildren: Chris Bowling (Beth), Ginger Bowling, Blake Bowling (Ana Grace Hunt), Melanie Bowling Robinson (Heath), and Whitney Bowling Dawson (Drew) and his Great Grandchildren: Nathan Bowling, Madison Bowling, Addison Howell, Sarah Robinson, Madelyn Robinson, Jay Dawson and Pearl Hunt; and 2 very special nieces, Linda Clark (Stanton) and Shelia Crawford.

He was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn Payne Bowling; his son, Charles Orville Bowling; his parents, Troy and Ethel Annie (Gist) Bowling; Brothers, Norman and Odell Bowling; and his sisters-in-law, Ruby Morris Bowling and Charline Blythe Bowling; and his grandson, Wayborn Michael Bowling.

Wayborn and family wish to personally thank Dr. Scott Segars and Dr. Margaret Glynn for their watchful and vigilant care of O J over the years, as well as the nurses and staff of The Tishomingo Manor.  The tender and loving care provided to O J the past few weeks will never be forgotten and is so very much appreciated. Lydia McAnally, Jennifer Cain and staff, “Thank You”.

Cutshall Funeral Home of Iuka, MS is entrusted with the arrangements. During this time of pandemic and Covid 19 uncertainty, visitation will only be held from 10:00 am until 11:00 am on Saturday, September 19 ^th at the Cutshall Funeral Home Chapel, with a private family service honoring O J at 11:00 am.  The family recognizes that social distancing will be required and those wishing to personally pay their last respects should wear CDC recommended face coverings or masks.

O J’s cousin, Bro. Gene Autry Gist will provide the eulogy and conduct the service.  Pallbearers will be O J’s grandsons and great grandsons: Chris Bowling, Blake Bowling, Nathan Bowling, Drew Dawson and Heath Robinson. Interment will be in Cypress Grove Memorial Gardens in Iuka.   In lieu of flowers you may donate to the American Cancer Society, St Jude’s Children’s Hospital or a  charitable organization of your choice. An online guestbook may be accessed at www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.