Minister William J. Bowling, Sr., 78

Minister William J. Bowling, Sr., 78, husband of the late Doshia Bowling, departed this life on Oct. 9, 2012 after a long illness, surrounded by his children.

He was born on Dec. 15, 1933 in New Rochelle, New York, to the late Phillip and Annie (Young) Bowling.

Brother Bowling, as he came to be known, worked tirelessly for over 40 years as a minister and evangelist for the Church of Christ, primarily in New York and Connecticut. He was installed as the Minister of the New Haven Church of Christ in 1980 and labored for over 20 years.

In addition to his wife and parents, Brother Bowling was preceded in death by his brother Phillip Bowling, Jr., sister Evelyn Nelson, and son John L. Harris.

Brother Bowling is survived by his sons, James (Carolyn) Harris, Roger Harris, Donald (Patricia) Harris, William (Danette) Bowling, Jr., David (Sandra) Bowling and Daniel Bowling; daughters, Shirley Armstrong, Starlene (Bernard) Williams, Alice (Anthony) Uzzle , Tewanna Johnson, Diamond Bowling, T'njai Bowling and daughter-in-law Patricia J. Harris.

He is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and relatives.

A celebration of his life will be held Monday, Oct. 15, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the Church of Christ, 16 Gem St., New Haven. Viewing and visitation will be held at the church Sunday (TODAY) from 4-7 p.m. and Monday from 9-11 a.m. Interment will follow at Beaverdale Memorial Park.

Online guestbook available at www.curvinkcouncil.com.