Gayle (LaRue) Bowling

Gayle LaRue Bowling, resident of the Somerville Community, wife of Jim Bowling and a person involved in the community  activities of Fayette County departed this life Saturday morning, July 21, 2012 at her residence. She was 73 years of age and died unexpectedly of natural causes.

A Celebration of Life Service for Mrs. Bowling was conducted at 3 P.M. Monday, July 23rd at the Somerville First Baptist Church, where she was a devoted member. Officiating Ministers were Rev. Phil Lovelace of Brownsville and Dr. Ken Story, current minister of the church. Interment followed in the Somerville City Cemetery. Arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes & Cremation Center — Main Chapel of Somerville.

Mrs. Bowling was born June 28, 1939 in Jackson, Tennessee. She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin A. LaRue and Evelyn James LaRue. She received her education in the Madison County Public School System. She was a 1956 graduate of the Jackson High School and continued her education at Lambuth College in Jackson and was chosen as “Miss Jackson” in 1958.

Mrs. Bowling was married May 10, 1962 to Jim Bowling, Fayette County cattleman, former Fayette County Sheriff and retired Owner of Somerville Insurance Agency, who survives. She served in earlier years as Executive Director for the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce and was well known for her catering expertise, providing refreshments and food for many events throughout Fayette County and the surrounding areas.

She was an active member of the Somerville Business and Professional Women’s Club, serving in various capacities and selected as Woman of the Year for the Somerville Chapter. She was one of the first female members of the Somerville Rotary Club. She was involved in activities of Fayette Academy, serving as President of the Parent Teachers Association of the school. She left a legacy of faith, service, devotion and love for her family, friends, church and community.

In addition to her husband of 50 years, Mrs. Bowling is survived by two daughters, Vicki Mills (Larry) of Somerville, Patricia Yager (Joe) of Moscow; two sons, Jimmie Bowling (Sandy) of Somerville, Will Bowling (Tammy) of Somerville; her brother, Ken LaRue of Huntsville, AL; nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Those honored to serve as casketbearers were Chris Bowling, Weston Bowling, Brennan Bowling, Barry Earnest, John Crowder and Millard Bowling, Jr.

The family requests that memorials be directed to the Somerville First Baptist Church, 12685 South Main Street, Somerville, Tennessee 38068.