Douglas J. Bowles

Douglas J. Bowles

September 18, 1956 - April 19, 2025

Douglas J. Bowles of Port Orange, Florida, passed away on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the age of 68

Life’s Journey

A Legacy of Character, Strength, and Love…

To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under the heavens, a time to be born, a time to live, and a time to die.     -Ecclesiastes 3:1

Douglas James Bowles- Loyal and Devoted Husband, Family Man, and Friend

Doug was born to Richard Franklin and Lillian Iris Bowles (Ruble) in Fort Rucker, Alabama, on September 18, 1956. Doug’s father served in the military, so he often referred to himself as an “Army Brat” because he spent his childhood traveling with his family to live on various Army bases including one in Germany during his teenage years where he graduated from Frankfurt High School before finally settling down in West Virginia and Florida as an adult.

Doug considered joining the military himself and thought he might like to become a pilot. Instead, he used his natural talents in fixing things to pursue a career as a recreational vehicle mechanic. His personal motto was, “If I can’t fix it, it’s not broke,” which was pretty much true, and he did his best to pass his knowledge on to his sons and friends who are forever grateful for all they’ve learned from him. Doug went on to become the trusty service manager at Robbin’s Camper Sales in Ormond Beach, Florida, where he worked for over 30 years before retiring at age 65. Doug was also a motorcycle enthusiast who enjoyed collecting and riding Harley-Davidsons. He loved to ride in the wind with friends and explore all that the Daytona Beach and Sturgis Bike Week events had to offer for many years. He also enjoyed spending time with family at home and during holidays, and our numerous camping trips to Ginnie Springs, where we all enjoyed tubing and swimming in the cold, crystal-clear spring water and basking in nature all around. His wife, children, and grandchildren will always remember him for his humor and wit, as well as be thankful for how he never failed to take the time to listen and extend any support necessary to help them no matter what.

Preceding Doug in eternal rest are his father, Richard Franklin Bowles; his mother, Lillian Iris Ruble-Bowles-Botta; his stepfather, Melvin Botta; his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Bowles and Mr. and Mrs. James L. Ruble; and his infant son, James Douglas Bowles.

Those he leaves behind to cherish his memories include his loving wife, Michelle M. Bowles, with whom he spent 35 wonderful years of his life with; his beautiful daughter, Heather Iris Johns (Pete), his three stepsons, Adam Alexander. Brocious, Brian Allen Brocious, and Chad Andrew Brocious; five precious grandchildren, Avery Mae Johns, Dalton James Johns, Jackson William Brocious, Summer Alden Brocious, and Harper Michelle Brocious; his two brothers, Gary Ruble and Richard Bowles; his four sisters, Sandra Sutton (Gary), Rhonda Pickard, Linda Lake, and Teresa Byrd (John); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Doug passed away peacefully at the Halifax Health Hospice Care Center in Port Orange, Florida, at 8:15 A.M. on Saturday, April 19, 2025, after battling ongoing serious health issues.

A Memorial Celebration of Life will take place in remembrance of Doug at the Last Resort Bar located at 5812 S. Ridgewood Avenue in Port Orange, Florida, on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Family and friends will gather in his memory beginning at noon until whenever as we pay our final respects to an incredible man who has touched so many lives.

The staff of Alonia's Cremation & Urns extends our heartfelt condolences to the Bowles family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Douglas J. Bowles, please visit our floral store.