Billy Joe Bowling, 82, of Indianapolis, Ind., formerly of Elizabethton, Tenn., passed away Wednesday, August 3, 2016, from a lengthy illness. Joe was the son of the late Herman and Mary Bowling. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Ann Bowling, and a brother, Sonny Bowling.
Joe attended Englewood Christian Church. He retired from the Elizabethton Star Newspaper where he served many years as the sports editor.
In addition to being sports editor, Joe had served as a newspaper carrier, a photographer, reporter, and a brief stint from 1979 to 1982 as editor of the Elizabethton Star. He was well-known in the community, having served as Director of the Carter County Boys Club and as a director of the Elizabethton Housing Authority board. He was an avid Elizabethton Cyclones fan. Joe graduated from Elizabethton High School, where he played football.
In 2012 he was named to the Carter County Sports Hall of Fame for his 40-years plus as a sports writer.
He was also a supporter of the Elizabethton Parks and Rec boxing program during years past. Joe coached many ball teams from Little League to Boys Club teams.
Joe is survived by three sons, Mike Bowling and wife Lisa of Indianapolis, Mark Bowling and wife Christine of Kingsport, and Matt Bowling and wife Sarah of Johnson City; seven grandchildren, Joe Bowling and wife Mary, Josh Bowling and wife Amanda, Jake Bowling and wife Kendra, and Jordan Bowling, all of Indianapolis, Chris Bowling and wife Krissy of Elizabethton, Craig Bowling of Elizabethton and Zoe Bowling of Kingsport. He is also survived by 18 great-grandchildren, two brothers, Larry Bowling and Bob Bowling, and two sisters, Kathy Smith and Brenda Hawks, all of Elizabethton. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
His family will gather in Indianapolis to celebrate his life and a memorial service will be held at a later date in Tennessee for family and friends.