Earl Norman Bowles, 82, of Wrightsville Beach, died on Nov. 20, 2018.

He was the son of the late Earl Thurman Bowles and Frankie Wall Bowles of Davie County.

Survivors: his wife of 60 years, Sarah Underwood Bowles; sons, Dean Bowles and wife Crystal, and David Bowles and wife Lori of Carolina Beach; daughter, Myra Webb and husband Mickey of Wilmington; grandchildren, Nicole Bowles, Kyle andFrankie Chuckran, Rebecca Webb, Phillip Bowles, Neil Webb, David Bowles Jr., Abigail Bowles and Jason Bowles; great-granddaughter, Hazel Chuckran; sisters, Ruby Thompson, Sue Talley, LaVerne Holder and Joyce Bowles; and many in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.

His life was focused on the service of others. He spent time serving his country in the U.S. Army in Germany as a young man and then serving people’s financial needs throughout his professional career in banking. This career spanned from CIT Finance in Hickory to UCB/BB&T in Wilmington and Rockingham, and Myrtle Beach, S.C. where he served as city executive and retired in 1994. He was a Christian and enjoyed his church families at Winter Park Baptist Church and Foscoe Christian Church. He sang in choirs, taught Sunday School and RAs, served as a trustee and on the N.C. Baptist Foundation Board. He also served his communities as a leader in many civic organizations including the Masonic Lodge, Optimist Club, Rotary Club, Hospital Foundation Board, and Ruritan Club. Travel and visiting people was his greatest love. Family members or close friends often joined him and Sarah in their travels. They enjoyed exploring most every corner of the US and many places abroad. Repeat trips were sometimes required to places of special interest or beauty. He loved his view of Grandfather Mountain and many special overlooks and hiking spots.

Family visitationwill be Friday, Nov. 30 from 6-8 p.m. at Andrews Valley Chapel and Memorial Service at Winter Park Baptist Church on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 2 p.m.

Memorials: charity of doknor’s choice: www.winterparkbaptist.org, www.foscoechristianchurch.com, or www.lcfh.org.