Jerry Lee Bowers
Published 5:01 pm Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Jerry Lee Bowers, 77, of Elizabethton, lovingly and peacefully went to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 20, 2019, at his home following a brief illness. A native of Elizabethton, Jerry was the son of the Haskel and Bonnie Bowers.
A “Forever Cyclone,” Jerry was a 1961 graduate of Elizabethton High School, where he still enjoyed attending basketball and football games. Once an energetic basketball official himself, he truly loved showing his school and community pride, whether it be through donning an Elizabethton ball cap or simply talking about the Covered Bridge. Also known for his devout patriotism, Jerry served in the United States Air Force and embraced being a Unites States Veteran with honor. After attending business college, he worked for both American Air Filter for eighteen years and then at Tennessee Distribution Center until his early retirement. While enjoying “retirement,” he rarely missed breakfast with his crew at McDonalds or Betty’s Burger Hut, where biscuits and gravy were always on the menu. Jerry also kept himself busy with the business he shared with his brothers, Bowers Auto Sales, where the door was always open for a good deal on a vehicle or for a quick afternoon chat and nap. He spent much of his life playing golf, going on vacations and spending time with his family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who was rarely seen without a smile on his face and who was never short on both kind words and warm hugs.
Jerry was an active member at Hunter United Methodist Church, where he served on various committees that benefited the church and the community. He also was a member of the Carter County Equalization Board, where he continued to make a difference in the lives of those around him.
Jerry met the love of his life, Marilyn Sibley Bowers, while serving in the United States Air Force in Warner Robins, Georgia. For 53 years, their love and devotion to one another have remained a constant source of inspiration for the family that they created together.
Jerry’s legacy incudes three daughters, Mrs. Lynn (Otis) Webb of Blountville; Mrs. Debbie (Chris) Guy of Elizabethton; Mrs. Becky (Rodney) McBride of Burlison; two brothers, Mr. Tony M. (Linda) Bowers and Mr. R.J. Bowers, all of Elizabethton; three grandsons Mr. Logan Guy of Elizabethton and Mr. Garrison McBride and Mr. Jackson McBride of Burlison; two granddaughters, Ms. Ashlynn Guy of Elizabethton and Ms. Madison McBride of Burlison and one aunt, Ms. Darlene Smith of Elizabethton. Jerry leaves behind several nieces and nephews from Tennessee and Georgia, who he loved dearly along with many cousins, close and distant, as well as many close friends of the family who helped to make his life complete.
Funeral Service for Jerry will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, October 24, 2019, in the Memorial Funeral Chapel with Pastor Estil Williams, Pastor Lou Crandell and Pastor Mike Berry Officiating. Entombment will follow the service in the Mausoleum of Peace at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Music will be provided by Loretta Bowers, Soloist and David Arney, Organist. Military Honors will be provided by Boone Dam 4933. Active Pallbearers who are requested to be at the funeral home at 1:00 p.m. are: Jason Harrison, Spencer Ussery, Ashley Brooks, Jesse Boyd, Max Kelly, Nick Holder, Dusty Weathers and Mike Williams. Honorary Pallbearers are C.L. Brooks, Charles Jackson, Brandon Jackson, Charlie Jackson, Lindsey Sibley, Sterling Ussery, Keith Harkins, Roger Ledford, Pat McGinnis, Bill Cline, Eugene Buck, Daniel Holder, Ron Weathers, Ken Gilliam, Glenn Guy, Cameron Dugger, Members of Carter County Parish, EHS Classmates of 1961, Breakfast Crew at Betty’s Burger Hut and McDonald’s and Bowers Auto Sales Friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Carter County Rescue Squad or Hunter United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until the service hour at 1 p.m. The obituary was written by the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at our website www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.
Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Bowers family.