Joe Bowling

SHELBY- Mr. Joe Ben Bowling, 81, formerly of 703 Blanton St., died Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at Rutherford Hospital. A native of Cleveland County, he was a son of the late Marvin and Georgia Young Bowling. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII and was the owner and operator of Ligon Street Grocery.

PRECEDED IN DEATH: In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian Arney Bowling.

SURVIVORS: He is survived by two sons, Benny Joe Bowling and wife, Lynn, and David Joe Bowling, all of Shelby; two daughters, Alice Putnam and husband, Mike of Winterville, and Debra Collins and husband, David, of Lawndale; a brother, Gene Bowling, of Charlotte; a sister, Hazel Shufford of Gastonia; nine grandchildren, Heather Heffner Dixon and husband, Chris, Michael Putnam II and wife, Rebecca, Trent Bowling, B.J. Bowling, Kelli Bowling, Adam Collins, Katelyn Putnam, Clayton Bowling and Austin Bowling; and seven great-grandchildren.

VISITATION: The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 4, 2010 at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home in Shelby.

FUNERAL SERVICE: The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 4, 2010 at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home Chapel.

INTERMENT: Burial will follow in Cleveland Memorial Park.

OFFICIATING CLERGY: The Rev. Keith Dixon will officiate.