Robert ("Bob") Thomas Bowler

September 6, 2025

CHARLOTTE – The life story of Robert ("Bob") Thomas Bowler is a spectacular one.  From his birth in Syracuse, New York on August 12,1939 until his rebirth in Heaven on September 6, 2025, he made a difference in the lives of others in the best possible way.  At LeMoyne Jesuit College in Syracuse, he majored in Industrial Relations, played sports, held an almost full-time job and made lifetime friends. Even as a college student his kindness extended to some of the "not popular" students which made their lives easier.

Graduating from LeMoyne in 1961, he enrolled as a Medic in the Army and so-impressed his superior officers that they recommended him to Procter & Gamble when that huge corporation was seeking sales representatives for their brand new paper products division (which included Pampers, White Cloud, Bounty and Charmin.) P&G sought insight from Army officials regarding high-performing military who were about to be honorably discharged, and Bob Bowler was the first on their list.  

Over his long career in sales with that excellent company, he was awarded numerous top performance trophies while being promoted and moving his wife and five children all over the northeast ... finally settling in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1970.  That move to Charlotte was so successful that he left P&G when they tried to move him to corporate headquarters in Cincinnati, OH.  He simply loved his life in Charlotte and his family had grown to call it "Home."  He became part owner of a food brokerage as he coached his daughters' and son's school and community basketball teams.  

It was during a Special Olympics day camp that Bob was introduced to the organization that changed his life and provided him with the chance to change the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. He spent the next four decades+ coaching, teaching, organizing and leading basketball, tennis and pickleball teams for Special Olympics athletes.  Realizing in 2001 that people with intellectual disabilities were missing out on a camping experience which their siblings were able to enjoy, he founded the hugely successful and incredibly popular Camp SOAR (Special Olympics Athletic Retreat.)  His years as Founder & Director gave Bob such pure joy that he was seldom seen without a huge smile and he'd spend all day (if he could) talking about the amazing accomplishments of the hundreds of campers who attended Camp SOAR every year.  

In addition to the high fives and big hugs he shared with the hundreds and hundreds of special needs athletes he coached, he received many, many national, state and local awards for his dedication and love (inclusive of the coveted National Volunteer Of The Year Award which was presented to him by Eunice Kennedy Shriver)

During his own childrens' growing years he was a superb role model as exemplified by their own commitments to volunteering.  

Born in Syracuse to Robert Francis Bowler and Marion Elizabeth Bowler, Bob went all the way through Catholic schools in Syracuse.  While at LeMoyne College, he met Marilynn Farrell and they married in 1963.  Daughters Laura, Julie, Elizabeth and Victoria and son Thomas brought him great, great happiness and pride. He became grandfather to Karrington, Lauren and Stefan Duke and to Rachel Whitley.  His great-grandchildren are McKaela and Braeden Ridings, and Colton and Brady Sekelsky. (Daughter Victoria (Vickie) and granddaughter Lauren pre-deceased him but were, no doubt, standing with outstretched arms when he arrived in Heaven on September 6th.)   In addition to the above, Bob is also survived by his wife, Marilynn, his sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Donald Parody, his sons-in-law Mark Whitley and David Duke, sister-in-law Patricia Broome, brother-in-law Bud Miller, many nieces and nephews and a host of heartbroken Special Olympic coaches, athletes and their families.

The funeral Mass will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Charlotte with Visitation from 10:00 - 10:40 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Bob may be made to Special Olympics Mecklenburg County.  Online link:  https://give.specialolympicsnc.com/BobBowler or checks by mail to:  Special Olympics Mecklenburg County, 309 E. Morehead St., Suite 250, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202   Please indicate Camp SOAR on the memo line. OR gifts in Bob's memory may be given to the Victoria A. Bowler Endowed Scholarship Fund at Central Piedmont Community College (established to provide scholarships in nursing, paralegal and medical assistant programs) online at www.cpccfoundation.org/victoria-bowler-memorial-scholarship or checks by mail to: Central Piedmont Community College Foundation, Post Office Box 35009, Charlotte, North Carolina 28235.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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  • Terri Arnold

    I was shocked and saddened to hear of Bob's passing. It was especially sad because I heard about it the day after the service. Since 2014, I have been coming to Camp S.O.A.R. with therapy dog teams to visit with campers. We ha ve had many years of wonderful memories. We were in the room where the campers played bingo. And Bob frequently came through to say hello and thank us for coming. He always had the biggest smile on his face too! He will be greatly missed, but we will be honored to continue to visit Camp S.O.A.R. with Invisible Paw Prints therapy dog group.
    If I had known in time, several of us would have been honored to be a part of the service, or at least be outside for support.
    God bless Bob Bowler and all he has done.
    Terri Arnold

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  • John Paul Galles

    Thank you for writing such a beautiful obituary. I am sorry I was not at the funeral service. I learned so much from what you shared. While I did not know his history, I did know his relationship with Marilyn was rock solid and that his dedication to special needs was written in his soul. Bob was always thoughtful and considerate and right by the side of his lovely wife. He celebrated life in all he did and enjoyed his children and grandchildren with all his heart. He made life on this earth better for all of us. He proudly made life remarkable in his modest way. I know he will be missed, but his spirit will continue to be by the side of those he celebrated every day of his life. Peace be.

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  • Rod Spence

    I met Bob at church. I admired what he was doing for for Special Olympics athletes. It was very rewarding experience coaching basketball and tennis for many years. I loved working with the most challenged athletes. They never minded that I was in a wheelchair and either did Bob. I think of bob as one of my best friends and he will be missed by me and so maa a my others. God will bless him.

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  • Mary Ann and David Hart

    We knew Bob through friends when we lived in Mooresville and were always uplifted by his joy for life--it was very contagious! Marilyn, know that we share your grief. Hugs!

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  • Mary Ann and David Hart

    We knew Bob through friends when we lived in Mooresville and were always uplifted by his joy for life--it was very contagious! Marilyn, know that we share your grief. Hugs!

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  • Sadler H Barnhardt

    Marilynn and family: I am saddened by Bob's passing but celebrate with you an amazing and beautiful life.

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  • Patti Updike

    Bob was so wonderful. I am so glad I was able to get to know him through Special Olympics. He showed us all how much love, kindness and joy brightens our days. Thank you Bob for all you shared and demonstrated to me. I'm sure you have a huge welcoming group in heaven.

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  • Lynne Wall

    Bob was a wonderful and dear man, and the thousands of those he touched throughout the years will miss him terribly. So thankful for his service to the special needs community. He changed the lives of this population as well as their families. A life very well lived and he will be remembered always. My deepest condolences to his wonderful family and all these who will always love him.

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  • Krystle Bailey

    Bob was one of kind I miss him lots

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  • Paul Herbert

    Bob was truly inspirational! He CARED and he made a difference for thousands. He has left a legacy of joy for all those affected by his generosity and gentle guidance. The athletes loved him. The coaches loved him. His family and friends loved him. A life well lived! May his bright spirit live on in the smiles and enjoyment of those he loved so much!

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