Rev. Richard Hausber Bowling, Jr.
Calvary Cemetery
Section 1, Block 1, Lot 4, Space SW
(October 24th, 1891 – December 28th, 1961)
Rev. Bowling was born in 1891 to Rev Richard Bowling Sr. and his wife Lallie Howard Haynes Bowling at the Bute Street Parsonage of First Baptist Church. At the time of his birth, his father was the congregation’s new pastor. In July of 1913, when he was a young man, his father passed away. Nearly one year later, on June 17th, 1914 his father’s former congregation elected him to serve as pastor. He served in this capacity for the next 40 years. After his retirement in 1954, he held the title of Pastor Emeritus until his death in 1961.
Rev. Bowling was known for his efforts to promote literacy and civil rights. Along with attorney Eugene Diggs, and publisher P. B. Young Sr., he formed an “uptown school board” to interview prospective teachers for Norfolk’s African-American schools and make recommendations to the official school board. These 3 community leaders were also selected to serve as an advisory committee on African-American issues for the Norfolk Redevelopment Housing Authority. They briefed the organization on problems affecting their community, helped set operational policies, and indentified sites in need of public housing to replace slum dwellings.
In addition, he pioneered the work of United Colored Charities and was one of the founders of Norfolk Community Hospital. For 11 years, he was the author of a column called the “Guide Post” in the Norfolk Journal and Guide, the city’s weekly African-American newspaper. In this capacity, he published 550 articles. In recognition of his many contributions to Norfolk, Bowling Park Elementary School (currently Richard Bowling Elementary) on Princess Anne Road was named in his honor in 1953.
On June 13th, 1915 he married Rebecca L. Pride in Lynchburg (1891-1986). They resided at 824 Park Avenue, and are also interred together at Calvary. They had 3 daughters: Annie, Rebecca, and Barbara.
Tribute Paid To Dr. Bowling
New Journal and Guide (1916-2003); Jan 6, 1962;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)
pg. B11
Dr. Richard H. Bowling Is Honored
THOMAS DABNEY
New Journal and Guide (1916-2003); Feb 26, 1955;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)
pg. B28
Rev. Bowling Retired As Pastor Emeritus
New Journal and Guide (1916-2003); Jul 25, 1953;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)
pg. 13
http://ww2.nps.k12.va.us/education/components/scrapbook/default.php?sectiondetailid=66850
Biographical information provided by Norfolk Bureau of Cemeteries.
Visitor Information
Visitor Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Office hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Free parking inside cemetery.
Admission Cost: Free
Address: 1600 St. Julian Ave., Norfolk, VA 23504
Official web site for more information: www.norfolk.gov/cemeteries
Norfolk Society for Cemetery Conservation Web Site: