James L. Bowers, 96, of Elizabethton, went home to be with his Lord on Tuesday, May 16, 2017, from Pine Ridge Care and Rehab Center of Elizabethton. James was born in Carter County on June 18, 1920 to the late Martin C. Bowers and Sylvia Davidson Bowers. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Mary, and four brothers, Ralph, Condon, Richard “Pete” and Ben.
James retired as a surveyor for the City of Elizabethton and was a member of First Baptist Church of Elizabethton. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a Degree in Forestry. James enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving and devoted wife of 50 years, Letta Sue Berry Bowers, of the home; a step-son, Lynn Surratt and wife Anna; a step-daughter, Lisa Surratt Sprague of Elizabethton; step-grandchildren, Matthew B. Smith and wife Beth of Prestonburg, Ky., Christopher Smith and wife Stephanie of Flat Rock, N.C., and Brock Surratt of Elizabethton; and four step-great-grandchildren, Rowan Smith of Flat Rock, N.C., Callie Austin of Prestonburg, Ky., Cora Smith of Prestonburg, Ky., and Dillon Smith of Flat Rock, N.C. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
A service to honor the life of James L. Bowers will be conducted at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 18, in the Chapel of Peace of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, with Rev. Matthew Smith, step-grandson, officiating. Music will be under the direction of Christopher Smith, step-grandson. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, prior to the service, or at the residence at any time. The graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, May 19, at Rittertown Baptist Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Kurt Bowers, Lynn Surratt, Bryan Smith, Christopher Smith, Rev. Matthew Smith and Brock Surratt. Honorary pallbearers will be former employees of the City of Elizabethton, Mike Smith, Calvin Caldwell and Danny Smith. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at 10:15 a.m. Friday to go in procession. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Pine Ridge Care and Rehab and to Rev. Doug Hinshaw. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guestbook or by fax at 423-542-9499.
Tetrick Funeral Home is serving the Bowers family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.