Ramey Funeral Home
Robert Bowles, Sr.
Robert "Bob" Francis Bowles, Sr., 79, passed away January 16, 2024, at Lexington Medical Center surrounded by his loved ones.
Born in Buffalo, NY on July 4, 1944, and a son of the late Thomas Therit Bowles and Frances Wilkie Bowles, he was the husband of Ann Rushton Bowles. Mr. Bowles served in the United States Navy Reserves as a Hospital Corpsman at The Philadelphia Naval Hospital. He was a graduate of A.C. Flora Class of 1964 and in 1970 he graduated from the University of South Carolina College of Business Administration. After graduation he became the first Licensed Nursing Home Administrator for Saluda Nursing Center where he served from 1970 - until his retirement in June of 2016. He was proud of the Saluda County ambulance service that was established on July 1, 1974, with having one ambulance and only volunteers. He served as EMS Director, without compensation, until Saluda County assumed its direction in 2014. Under his leadership Saluda Nursing Center expanded from having 40 beds originally to a capacity of 176 beds. Prior to his retirement, he led the renovation and expansion of the therapy department, which was named the Bowles Rehabilitation Department by SNC Board of Directors. During his time as administrator, Mr. Bowles would go to the Nursing Center to be with the family of a resident who had passed away, anytime day or night.
In addition to his full-time career at Saluda Nursing Center and the Saluda County EMS, he purchased Henry's Cleaners and Laundromat and Self-Serve Car Wash in 1983 which he operated with his wife Ann until 1996.
Mr. Bowles was active in the following professional and civic organizations; American College of Nursing Home Administrators, SC Nursing Home Association, SC Health Care Association, Saluda Jaycees, Saluda Investment Club, Saluda County Gamecock Club and Richland Creek Ruritan Club, and many other civic activities. He was presented the Saluda Farm City Citizen of the year award in 2015 and the Warren McBride award for SC EMS Director of the Year in 2003.
He was a member of Mt. Pleasant Evangelical Lutheran Church, where he severed as Past President of the Lutheran Men and Church Council. Over the years, he enjoyed golfing, horseback riding, swimming, and most importantly any activities involving his children and grandchildren. He loved cheering on his Gamecocks in football and baseball.
Surviving alongside his wife of 55 years are a son, Robert Francis Bowles, Jr. "Robby" (Karen) of Aiken, a daughter, Mary Lynn Bowles Barnette (Robert) of Lexington, four grandchildren, Lauren Martin (Dillon), Robert Rushton Bowles, Nathan Barnette, and Luke Barnette, two great-grandchildren, McKinley and Maggie Martin, and two nephews, Thomas Aines of Utah and Steven Aines of Maryland.
Mr. Bowles is preceded in death by a sister, Margaret Aines.
The family will receive friends from 6 - 8 p.m., on Sunday evening, January 21, 2024, at Ramey Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 22, 2024, at Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church with Rev. Jim Glander officiating. Interment will follow at Travis Park Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Mike Butler, Chris Crouch, Jim Fisher, Rickey McCary, Terry Minick, Jeff Nordin, Bruce Rushton, and Lauren Yonce. Honorary escort; all current and former employees of Saluda Nursing Center and the EMS.
The family wishes to thank the caring staff of Lexington Medical Center, especially those on the PCU unit, during a very difficult time.
Memorials may be made to Saluda Nursing Center, Restoration of the HydroWorx Therapy Pool, P.O. Box 398, Saluda, SC 29138 or to Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church, 101 N. Calhoun Street, Saluda, SC 29138.
Please share your memories and condolences online at www.rameyfuneralhome.com.
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