J. Howard Bowers
October 29, 2017
Date of Service: November 1, 2017
Interment Location: Christus Garden
J. Howard “Lefty” Bowers, 90, of Johnson City, Tenn., passed away on Sunday, October 29, 2017, at The Waters of Johnson City, Tenn. He was a native of Elizabethton, Tenn., and son of the late Hunter Bowers and Emma Crosswhite Bowers. Howard’s hobbies were running, weightlifting, bicycle riding, golf, and horseback riding. He enjoyed spending time with his wife, son, three granddaughters and great-granddaughter and also watching his son and granddaughters play sports. Howard also donated his time by volunteering at ETSU, Holston Habitat for Humanity, and the Veterans Administration.
Howard proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII. Howard held a Doctorate of Education from the University of Tennessee where he was a research associate and retired as Professor of Education at East Tennessee State University. He taught at Unaka Elementary, coached football at Unaka High School and Tennessee High where he was also a health and science teacher. Mr. Bowers then taught at Elizabeth City Elementary and Jr. High schools and was the school superintendent in Elizabeth City schools.
In addition to his parents, Howard was preceded in death by his step-father, Agee Williams; his brother, Eugene Bowers; and his sister, Thelma Goforth.
Those left to cherish Howard’s memory include his loving wife, Rowena Shipley Bowers; son, Rick Bowers, Jonesborough; granddaughters, Emma Bowers of Greenville, S.C., Hannah Bowers, Jonesborough and Rachel Bowers of Johnson City; great-granddaughter, Sonny, Greenville, SC; nephew, Kenneth Goforth of Kingsport, Tenn.; niece, Debra Gene Pierce of Elizabethton, Tenn.; sister-in-law, Mary Bowers of Elizabethton, Tenn.; step-sister, Elaine Profitt of Bluff City; and several cousins.
The family will greet friends to share memories on Wednesday, November 1, from 1 until 2 p.m. at the Mausoleum Chapel at Happy Valley Memorial Park in Elizabethton with a Celebration of Life service at 2 p.m. with Dr. Tim Ross officiating. Music will be under the direction of Mr. Tim Dillon. Active pallbearers include Pete Peterson, Peter Shoun, Gary Arner, Bill Shipley, Kenneth Goforth, Harold Lingerfelt and John Wallace Feathers. Honorary pallbearers include Dan Shipley, Jeff Shipley, Jonathan Shipley, Dr. Clyde Orr, Dr. James Davenport, Duard Walker, Dr. Cecil Blankenship, Dr. Robert Gillespie, Dr. Steve Loyd, Bill Snyder, John Banks, Dean Crosswhite, Tom Powers, Larry Smith, Bill Toohey, Jim Seehorn and his 1945 Elizabethton High School Classmates. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Tetrick Funeral and Cremation Services, 3001 Peoples Street, Johnson City, TN 37604, (423-610-7171), is honored to serve the Bowers family.
