Ernest Bowers

Ernest Franklin Bowers, 84, of Albemarle, passed away Friday, October 11, 2013 at Bethany Woods in Albemarle, NC after a long, hard fought battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was a retired, self-employed, avid lover of horses who spent much of his time breeding, training, and showing Tennessee Walking Horses. He served our country in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956. He also enjoyed great times with his family and friends. He was born December 13, 1928 in Norwood, NC to Ira Clarence Bowers and Hettie Pauline Thompson Bowers who preceded him in death . He was also preceded in death by his brother, Walter H. "Bill" Bowers, and sister, Mary "Lib" Byrd. The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Monday, October 14, 2013 at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle. A service honoring the life of Ernest Franklin Bowers will be on Tuesday, October 15, at 2:00 pm at Hartsell Funeral Home's Lefler Memorial Chapel, officiated by Rev. Delane Burris and Rev. Paul Pickler. Burial will follow at the Stanly Gardens of Memory Mausoleum, 2001 East Main St., Albemarle. Military Honors will be conducted by Stanly County DAV. Survivors include his loving wife of 58 years, Betty Lowder Bowers of Albemarle, NC; son, Mike (Gigi) Bowers of Albemarle; daughter, Susan (Chris) Starks of Charlotte; grandchildren, Alexandra, Alaina, & Leyton Starks of Charlotte; his older brother, James (Kathleen) Bowers of Norwood; and nine nephews and two nieces.. The family would like to express a sincere appreciation to the fourth floor staff at Stanly Regional Medical Center along with everyone at Bethany Woods Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. The family will be meeting at his home. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, Hartsell Funeral Home is serving the Bowers family.