Eldridge A. Bowers

Published 4:33 pm Thursday, July 27, 2023

Eldridge A. Bowers, 82, of Gray, went home on Wednesday, July 26, 2023.
Eldridge “El” had a lifelong love of music, playing dobro, guitar, and auto harp in several bands. Music was a significant part of his life from his teenage years until the Lord called him home to play once again with his brothers, Kermit and Willard. El found great joy in worshiping the Lord by playing music in local churches. His musical gifts will be forever missed by all who knew and loved him.

Formerly of the Stoney Creek community, El lived in Gray for over 35 years. He worked at Summers-Taylor before moving to AFG glass plant where he retired after 30 years. He was a member of Laurel Falls Ministries in Elizabethton, Tenn. El was a sweet and loving man and will be missed by many.

Eldridge was preceded in death by two wives, Loretta Davenport Bowers and Mary Williams Bowers; daughter, Connie Bowers; daughter, Karen Davenport; parents, Coy Bowers and Maggie Williams Bowers; and brothers, Kermit and Willard Bowers.

He will be forever remembered by his daughters, Debbie Davenport (Brent) and Lisa Montgomery (Tom); step-daughters, Lois Johnson (Joe) and Lisa Harrell (Nathan); 12 grandchildren, including Hiram Gilreath (Kadi) and Shady Sastre (Joe); 11 great-grandchildren; brothers, Carroll “Bug” Bowers and Charles E. Bowers; sisters, Marge Thompson, Faye Crosswhite and Fredia Groce; several nieces and nephews; and special friends, Murrell and Brenda Campbell.

A graveside interment service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 29, at Snyder’s Memorial Gardens, 5913 Kingsport Hwy., Gray, Tennessee. Pastor Ronnie Reece will be officiating with music provided by El’s great-nephew, Carson Peters. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Smoky Mountain Hospice, especially Melissa Ealey, for their excellent care and support.

Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the Bowers family.