Paul Bowles, Jr.

Paul Bowles, Jr

November 11, 1934 - June 8, 2026 (91)

Paul Bowles, Jr., 91, passed away on June 8, 2026. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia on November 11, 1934, to Paul Bowles, Sr. and Martha Burgess Bowles.

Paul grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and attended Kirkwood Grammar School, Murphy Junior High, and Decatur Boys High. At sixteen, he enrolled in Emory University before transferring to the University of Georgia where he graduated in 1956 earning his BBA. While at UGA, Paul was a proud member of the Georgia Beta Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.  During this time, Paul met and began dating Thayer “Cissy” Corker.  They were married in Athens in 1958 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church and began their life together in Atlanta before returning to Athens to raise their family.

For eighteen years, Paul worked at the First National Bank of Athens serving as a loan officer and later as Vice President.  In 1983, he briefly served as President of WorldWide Travel Agency before finding his true professional passion selling bonds with The Robinson-Humphrey Company.

Paul was a talented musician playing many instruments by ear.  At the start of WWII, a very young Paul participated in a talent show at the Fox Theater playing a medley of patriotic songs on his accordion including: “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “Anchors Away,” and “God Bless America” winning him a chance to play on an nationally-syndicated radio show out of New York City. His many musical talents always drew a crowd, and he was never a stranger to a dance floor.

Paul was active in the Athens Touchdown Club, the Athens Country Club, and the Athens City Club.  He also loved spending time at Lake Burton with his family and friends like Rosalind and Johnny Mitchell.

After Cissy’s and Johnny’s passing in 1981 and while mourning their losses together, Paul and Rosalind fell in love and married in 1982. Together they embraced the belief that, ‘life is short’ and meant to be well-lived so they began traveling and seeing the world.

In 1991, they retired to Amelia Island, Florida where they spent nearly 30 years enjoying the beach, their bible studies, playing golf, riding bikes, entertaining friends, and watching Georgia Bulldogs’ football.  When the grandchildren would visit, “GrandMan” was known for his full-breakfast spread of country ham, welsh rarebit and chipped beef.

In 2019, they moved to Lanier Village Estates in Gainesville, Georgia to be closer to family.  Upon arrival, Paul and Rosalind were surprised to reunite with many old friends while making new friends as well.  For a brief time at the Village, Paul enjoyed being in a small band as the piano player.

Paul is survived by his children: Thayer Bates (Carter) of Atlanta, GA; Ansley Perno (John) of Athens, GA, Paul Bowles III of Athens, GA; and Travis Dew (Tommy) of Charleston, SC; as well as Jay Mitchell (Lynn) of Atlanta, GA; David Mitchell (Mary) of Gainesville, GA; Dennis Mitchell (Amy) of Atlanta, GA; Lyn LaVallee (Jim) of Atlanta, GA; eighteen grandchildren; and sixteen great‑grandchildren.

A graveside service for both Rosalind & Paul will be held at Oconee Hill Cemetery in Athens on Monday, June 29 at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to:

 Lanier Village Estates

4000 Village View Dr

Gainesville, GA 30506

(678) 450-3000

Eagle Ranch

eagleranch.org

P.O. Box 7200

Chestnut Mountain, GA 30502

(770) 967-8500

Amelia Island Chapel

36 Bowman Rd

Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

(904) 277-4414

Memorial Park Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-297-6200. For online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com  

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