Roger Dale Bowling, Jr. was born to Patricia Pitts Bowling and Roger Dale Bowling on June 29, 1978, in Toccoa, Georgia. His dad repeatedly declared if the baby was a boy, he was not "hanging the name 'Roger'" on him. But when he saw his baby boy, he said, "My ego took over, "and so Roger Dale Bowling was named. Many knew Roger as "the Rock", a nickname his daddy gave him symbolizing his enduring strength.

Roger Dale was only two months old when he began having seizures. The diagnosis was Tuberous Sclerosis, and the doctor's told his parents that his life expectancy was two to four years. Later that prediction was changed to eight to ten years; and later still, to his teenage years, but Roger Dale fooled them all by surviving almost 47 years, passing on to Glory on April 5, 2025.

Even though Roger Dale was mentally challenged and did not speak, he managed to win the hearts, not only of his family, but also of the many that came in contact with him or helped care for him throughout the years.

One of Roger Dale's favorite things was the vintage toy called "See 'n Say.' He found great joy and contentment pulling the string and listening to the different sounds. Unfortunately, toys don't last forever; and when one broke he needed another one. Then in the early 90's it became almost impossible to buy the toy. Roger Dale's mother contacted the manufacturer, but because of a recall the toy was discontinued and unattainable. She, however, did not give up. The word was spread about Roger Dale's fascination with the toy and people from all around the country sent See 'n Say toys to him. He never ran out thanks to the generosity of friends and strangers. And a special thanks to his "stand-in" sister, Lena Young Cabe, who never let one remain unsold on E-bay.

Roger Dale loved to eat! His favorite food was the famous McNuggets and fries. One way to get a smile was to ask if he wanted to eat which came in handy since it was a running joke about how Roger Dale's momma persisted in trying to get a perfect picture of him. In the days of cameras and film, she once took four rolls of 36 exposures each and managed to get one suitable photo. But the good pictures always, totally, were worth the effort.

Roger Dale was a resident of Iotla Street Group Home in Franklin for thirty years. Without the love and care of the staffs of the group home and Macon Citizens Habilities he would not have been able to live and thrive for so many years. Roger Dale was allowed to be away from the group home for 120 days each year, and he spent every one of those days with his momma. Psalm 127:3 says, "Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him." Roger Dale's mom always wanted him well taken care of since he was certainly her very beloved gift from God.

Along with his father, Roger Dale was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Edward and Dovie Pitts and his paternal grandparents, Flora and Jack Gilbert and some extra-special aunts and uncles. He is survived by his mother and his bonus father, Uncle "Rob" (Robert E. Lee). Uncle Rob and Roger shared a best-buddy relationship for thirty-eight years. Many aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous special friends, including the other residents of the group home, also survive him.

The family will receive friends from 5-7pm on Wednesday, April 9th, at Macon Funeral Home. The service will follow visitation. Rev. Theresa Pitts Talley, Mickey Justice, and Seth Pitts will preside. Burial will be beside his daddy in Tiger, Georgia, on Thursday at 11am at Rabun Memory Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Macon Citizens Habilities, 909 Lake Emory Rd., Franklin, NC 28734 or to a favorite charity.

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.