by Chris Davis
HOUSTON, Miss.--Former legislator Billy Bowles has died. WTVA reports Bowles died Sunday. The 78-year-old was a five-term representative originally from the Thorn community.

Bowles was known as a supporter of small businesses in the state and ran one himself for over 30 years. That was Bowles Grocery. He served for 20 years in the Mississippi House before retiring in 2004.

He died at a Tupelo hospice Sunday. Visitation is Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Houston Funeral Home, with services Tuesday at 2 at the First United Methodist Church in Houston.