Commitment To Family

Today, we say goodbye to Donald Bowling, lovingly known to many of us as “Uncle Donnie,” even if that wasn’t quite his official title. He was my mother’s first cousin, but he graciously let me call him “uncle”—and every time he’d just shake his head and say, “Alright, I’ll allow it!” That was Uncle Donnie: full of humor, warmth, and understanding.

Uncle Donnie was a true leader in our family. Whenever he spoke, everyone paused to listen. His voice carried a sense of calm and wisdom, and his words held weight. At Thanksgiving, I remember looking up in awe as he walked into the room, so tall and stately. He had this way of making an entrance—impossible to miss, a little bit intimidating, and yet totally comforting at the same time. He was a giant in every sense, but always gentle with us.

One of Uncle Donnie’s greatest legacies was his commitment to family and togetherness. He was the kind of person who always made sure everyone was doing alright, checking in, gathering us all for family reunion's, or just a quick laugh. In his eyes, family came first, and he taught us all the value of that connection.

I wanted to share this photo to capture him in the light I always saw him in: a guiding force, & leader not only in his community but within our family. Uncle Donnie, you will be dearly missed.

• Zakiya Agosto