Obituary of Richard Bowers

George Richard Bowers, 78, died Thursday, March 27th, 2014 at home on Alarka after a brave battle with bone cancer. A native of Bryson City, he was a son of the late Avery and Dora Bowers. His sister Martha Lee and brothers Troy and Benny also preceded him in death. Richard was a veteran of the United States Army where he served during the Korean Conflict. He was a logger, miner, and farmer by trade and made his living working the land he loved so much. He was a wonderful husband, father, sibling, and friend. But his greatest work was as a grandfather. His two granddaughters were the apple of his eye, and he never stopped impressing "his girls." He will be sorely missed. He is survived by his loving wife Carol Bilenski Bowers; his son Richard Bowers; his daughter Karen Pfirrmann (Michael); his granddaughter Chancy Tsoumbos (Athanasios); his granddaughter Megan Sheets (Eric); his sister Lorraine York Keepfer; his brother Sam Bowers (Brenda); his brother Avery Bowers (Marcia); his brother-in-law Carl Bilenski (Patricia); and numerous treasured nieces and nephews. The funeral was held on Sunday, March 30th, 2014, at Crisp Funeral Home in Bryson City. Rev. Tim Barker officiated. Pallbearers were Sammy Bowers, Edward Greene, Avery David Bowers, Lowell York, Michael Bowers, and Carl John Bilenski. Honorary pallbearers were Hubert Hicks and Jessie Oliver. Burial was at his favorite place to be, on the Bee Branch. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105