Born on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1944, in Courtland, Alabama, Willie was the son of the late James and Elsie Bowling. Sharing his birthday with his dear older sister Beatrice, Willie was the seventh of eleven children and the second son in a bustling household of women—a dynamic that affectionately earned him the enduring nickname “Brother.”

Willie received his education in Cleveland and proudly graduated from Glenville High School. After several years of courtship, he married Jean Mace, the love of his life, embarking on a partnership filled with love and shared experiences.

Willie effortlessly cultivated and maintained a wide circle of devoted friends throughout his life. He was an active member of a cherished social club, where camaraderie flourished through shared attendance at sporting events, lively cabarets, and warm gatherings at each other’s homes. Cleveland sports were a lifelong passion for Willie, and for a time, he proudly held Cleveland Browns season tickets alongside a lively group of family and friends, enthusiastically participating in the legendary “Dawg Pound.” Later in life, his passion for Cleveland sports shone brightly as he cherished attending Guardians and Browns games alongside his son, Torrey. You would often find him hanging out with his younger brother Bobby (a.k.a. Horace), relaxing in the backyard, playing cards, having a beer, or playing their numbers.

Willie worked at the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department, a career he embraced until his retirement due to a medical condition. In his retirement years, Willie and Jean found fulfillment working part-time at Kenner Day Care alongside their niece, Tracey Canaztuj, where they lovingly cared for children and their families within the community.

Their journey together also included a brief but memorable period living in The Villages, Florida, where they enjoyed spending time with his younger sister, Patricia. From there, a desire to be closer to family led them to North Carolina to be near their daughter, Cena, before eventually returning to their beloved Cleveland.

Willie Russell Bowling, a man whose easygoing spirit, infectious laughter, and unwavering devotion to family and friends touched the lives of many, passed away on April 16, 2025, at the age of 81. Remarkably, this date holds poignant significance, as it is the same day his beloved grandson passed away in 2022.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents, James and Elsie Bowling; his daughters, Wendy and Angela; his older sister, Mary Bunton; and his grandson, Torrey Bowling Jr.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jean; his children, Russell, Cena, and Torrey; thirteen cherished grandchildren; and seven adored great-grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by his nine remaining siblings, nieces and nephews, extended family, and all whose lives he enriched with his warmth and laughter.