Linda Ann Bowling

Linda Ann Harkey Bowling was born on April 27, 1948 in Waynesboro, Tennessee, the daughter of the late Allen and Mary Len Harkey. She spent her childhood and adolescent years on Hardin's Creek.

On July 9, 1977, she was united in marriage to Larry Bowling, who survives. She was a loving wife to Larry for nearly 48 years. After she married, she spent the remainder of her years in Olive Hill, Tennessee.

Linda was a 1966 graduate of Frank Hughes School in Clifton, Tennessee. She went on to graduate with her Bachelors degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin and a Masters degree from the University of North Alabama. She returned to her alma mater for her teaching career. First teaching home economics for a short time and then she spent the remainder of her 30 plus years as a kindergarten teacher. She taught and influenced many young lives over her career, including teaching both of her own daughters. But her star pupils were her four grandchildren, whom she lovingly kept and spoiled until they started school.

Linda was a faithful member of Olive Hill Baptist Church, where she could be found teaching Sunday School, helping in the snack department at Vacation Bible School, and singing in the choir. She served as the church secretary as well. She was also a regular volunteer at blood drives with the American Red Cross. She also served as chaplain for the Retired Teachers Association in Wayne County, leading the group in devotionals during their monthly meetings. She volunteered as an election poll worker for many years in Olive Hill.

Linda loved to cook for her family, hosting Sunday dinners for them often. She was famous for her "secret family recipe" yeast rolls that she was responsible for every Thanksgiving. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, doing a good word search, or watching the Game Show Network or a cooking show.

She was an avid sports fan. It began with her high school basketball career where she played during a time when girls only played half court. She loved cheering for the Tennessee Volunteers in whatever sport they were playing, but especially football and men's basketball. Her love for the Vols was only matched by her love of watching her grandbabies compete. Whether on the soccer or softball field or the basketball court, if they were playing, she wanted to be there.

Linda Ann Bowling departed this life on Saturday, January 11, 2025 in Savannah, Tennessee at the age of 76 years, 8 months, and 15 days.

She is survived by her husband, Larry Bowling of Olive Hill, Tennessee; daughters, Nicole Wilkerson (Brian) of Olive Hill, Tennessee and Lauri Wilkerson (Keith) of Savannah, Tennessee; grandchildren, Callie, Crew, Landrey, and Lynzley; sister, Barbara Wilburn of Jackson, Tennessee; brother, David Harkey of Waynesboro, Tennessee; and a slew of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Mary Len Harkey; brother, Jim Harkey; brother in law, Ronnie Wilburn; and niece, Angie Bryant.