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BORN
1976
DIED
2026
Michael Bowling Obituary
Born November 24, 1976 in Chattanooga, Tennessee to the late Reverend George Henry Bowling and Mary Alice Murray Bowling, Michael developed a lifelong passion for cooking and hospitality during high school while working in restaurants in Roanoke, Virginia. After attending Johnson & Wales University, he worked in fine dining restaurants in Charleston, SC and Washington, DC before opening his first restaurant (The Bistro at Campbell) in Roanoke. Michael moved to Charlotte in 2010 and opened the original Hot Box Next Level Kitchen as a food truck in 2013. Throughout his career, he earned the respect of colleagues and diners alike for both his culinary skill and generous spirit.
Michael will be remembered by friends and family as someone who welcomed everyone warmly and believed that sharing food was one of life's greatest pleasures.
He is survived by his wife Cristina Garcia Bowling; sons Mikaele (Karlee), Nicholas, Zachary, and Izaiah Bowling; step-sons Sean Ellington, Anthony Garcia, and Tyler Garcia; grandsons Zayden and Makoa Bowling; step-mother Mary Helen Bowling; sisters Jacquelyn Appleberry and Lutricia Joy Bowling; step-brothers Kevin McNeil and Dalvise Curry; beloved daughters-in-love and a host of other loving relatives and friends.
The family invites friends to join a luncheon in celebration of his life at Sweet Lew's BBQ in Charlotte, NC on March 30, 2026 at 1pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Piedmont Culinary Guild ( https://piedmontculinaryguild.com/donate/ ).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Bowling
Sponsored by The Charlotte Observer.
Margaret Ryan
March 30, 2026
My condolences to the Bowling Family, May God continue to give you the strength and comfort that you need. May God Bless each one of you.
Manny Cordre´
March 29, 2026
Mike will always be remembered as a true pioneer in the culinary world-a genuinely kind soul with a big heart. He was always there to support others, lifting up everyone around him without hesitation.
I´ll never forget when he opened Hot Box. A fellow culinary colleague and I went to meet him, and what stood out most was the atmosphere he created-there was no competition, only collaboration and compassion. That was Mike.
At one point, he even let me use his truck for next to nothing, simply telling me to name a price. I was trying to help another friend-someone he didn´t even know-and without question, he stepped in to help me help them. That´s just who he was.
I will always be grateful to have known him, and I´ll carry those memories with me.
-Cordre´
Mariah H.
March 26, 2026
I had the pleasure of working alongside Chef Mike in many ways and always full of energy. My prayers are with your family and may his love live on though us.
Hananie
March 25, 2026
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
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Sirena RN
March 24, 2026
I didn´t have a chance to get to know him for a long time but the short time I had as his nurse at the dialysis clinic I can tell you he was a special person. He kept going in spite of what he was going through. Dialysis is not a beautiful life but at the same time it provides life. He was always so positive and he never wanted to give up. Rest in comfort Bowling
Scott Tang Yummi Banh Mi
March 24, 2026
Chef Mike was such an amazing person and always had my back when I first started my food truck along side The Hotbox Food Truck!! Those times I will always cherish and very grateful for your kindness and support!! We had some amazing times together always surrounded by love and food!! Thank you Chef for your guidance and generosity, you´ll be greatly missed and I´ll be forever grateful for your friendship. Love you brother!!
Pauline Evans
March 24, 2026
We love you. You will be missed.
Rachel (Cobbs) Kasey
March 20, 2026
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