Charles “Ray” Bowling, age 62 of Orlando, Florida, currently residing in Belle Plaine, Minnesota passed away on Sunday, October 29, 2017. A Celebration of Ray’s Life will be held on Wednesday, November 8th at 1:00 pm with visitation two hours prior, at Ballard Sunder Funeral Home, 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake. Pastor Diana Hunstad will preside. Memorials are preferred and will be distributed in Ray’s memory by the family.
Ray was born in Richmond, Kentucky on September 10, 1956 to parents Charles and Mary Lee (Farler) Bowling. Growing up Ray’s greatest love was “playing ball”. Whether it was baseball, softball, football or basketball, he was at it from dawn to dusk every day. His love of sports continued to develop through his high school years at Lyman High School in Orlando where the nickname “Raybo” was coined and stuck. After graduating, he was offered a college basketball scholarship and pursued a degree in Psychology. His college career was cut short when he decided to serve his country by joining the U.S. Army Airborne, stationed in Korea. Ray took great pride in his service and patriotism.
After the Army, Ray got the sales bug and decided to try his hand at car sales. He did very well, and rapidly advanced through the ranks. His most recent position was General Manager of Jim Lupient’s Bargain Lot. He also owned and operated a renovation/construction business in Florida. Throughout his working career his love of sports never faded. He continued to be an avid sports fan, and even played for a professional softball team. In more recent years, as football and basketball proved more painful, he took up golf as well.
Some 30 years ago, Ray met the love of his life, Lezlie, another sports nut. They thoroughly enjoyed watching games, attending games, playing softball and golfing – but mostly thoroughly enjoyed each other. Ray’s greatest love was spending time with his family, especially with his grandson Nolan. He was also very much looking forward to the birth of Nolan’s brother, his “future draft choice”.
Ray will always be remembered as a great motivator, accomplished speaker, very outgoing and very social. Whether he was motivating a sales force or wishing a niece a happy birthday, his heart was in it, and he always “knocked it out of the park”. He was always positive, encouraging and a genuine inspiration to others. He was the consummate role model, and held the ability to make everyone feel special.
Left to honor Ray’s life is his fiancé Lezlie Colburn; mother, Mary Lee Bowling; children, Mathew Bowling, Garrett Bowling, Dylan (Demi) Bowling and Hunter Bowling; grandchildren, Nolan, and a future draft choice; aunts, Mallie Farler and Oma Spivey; many other loving relatives and friends.
Ray is preceded in death and welcomed to heaven by his brother, Larry Bowling and daughter, Dawn Bowling.
