Henry Bowles, born on October 14, 1936, had a prolific career in education and athletics that spanned nearly four decades, culminating in his 2003 induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame. A Howard High School alumnus, class of 1955, Bowles went on to become a four-year football letterman at Lane College, demonstrating early the dedication and sportsmanship that would define his career.

Beginning in 1959, Bowles dedicated 39 years to coaching and teaching at Howard High School, until his retirement in 1998. Throughout these years, he carried various coaching responsibilities, including positions in baseball, assistant football, track & field, basketball, softball, and cross country. Notably, Bowles led the track & field team to become THSAA State Champions in 1961 and orchestrated a highly successful basketball program from 1969 to 1998. Under his guidance, the basketball team achieved a record of 616 wins to 260 losses, including 16 TSSAA State Tournament Berths, two TSSAA State Runner-Up titles, 26 winning seasons, four 30-game win seasons, 10 Region Champions titles, 14 TSSAA District Championships, 16 HIL & CIL District Championships, three consecutive state trips twice, and an impressive streak of 62 consecutive district game victories.

Beyond his direct coaching roles, Bowles served as the Athletic Director for Howard High School from 1969 until his retirement, further solidifying his commitment to the advancement of high school sports and student-athletes.

His exceptional leadership and mentorship were recognized through numerous accolades, including being named HIL and CIL District Coach of the Year 16 times, Chattanooga News Free Press Coach of the Year eight times, Chattanooga Times Coach of the Year six times, among others. In addition to these honors, he received the TSSAA Distinguished Service Recognition Award in November 1989, marking his significant contributions to high school athletics within the state.

Bowles' influence extended beyond the sports arena. He was awarded the Evans Teacher of the Year Award in 1979 and was celebrated as the Afro-American Museum Citizen of the Year in 1984. His legacy was further immortalized when the Howard School gymnasium was named the "Henry Wesley Bowles Gymnasium" in 1997, a testament to his lasting impact on the school and its community.

In recognition of his outstanding service and dedication to high school athletics, Henry Bowles' induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 2003 stands as a fitting tribute to his distinguished career and his profound influence on generations of student-athletes in Tennessee.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2003
Category: Coach