Michael Bowers

Michael Ray Bowers, 66 years of age, of Albemarle, passed away Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at Rowan Regional Medical Center in Salisbury. Michael was born June 30, 1947 in North Carolina to the late Ray Von Bowers and the late Mary Hazel Bowers. He was also preceded in death by an infant brother. An active, lifetime member of Palestine United Methodist Church, Michael spent many years as coach of the Bethel-Palestine softball team and organizer of fundraiser softball tournaments. In the church, Michael was a member of the Palestine United Methodist Men's group and served as its president for many years. Michael made many friends through his work as a saw operator for Oakwood Homes and Masterpiece Housing. He also connected with people through his sales career at Confederate Motors and Albemarle Honda. The last employment position he held was with the Stanly County School system as a bus driver for Central Elementary School, a job he loved. He was a generous man who smiled easily and truly never met a stranger. His fondness for building personal relationships tied him to people of all walks of life and he thoroughly enjoyed the bonds he built. Always ready to offer assistance, Michael was quick to respond to calls for volunteers for outreach and fundraising efforts for those in need. Michael Ray loved to spend free afternoons watching old westerns and playing with his cats and puppy. Nothing brought him greater enjoyment though than the time he spent with his wife, son and daughter and the nearly two decades of children and families cared for through his wife's business, Susie's Friends Daycare. The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Friday, December 20, 2013 at Hartsell Funeral Home in Albemarle. The funeral service officiated by Rev. David Nolan and Rev. Nicholas Rochester will be at 2:00 pm, Saturday, December 21, 2013 at Palestine United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at the Palestine United Methodist Church Cemetery, 36414 Palestine Road, Albemarle, NC 28001. He is survived by wife, Susie Bowers of Albemarle; son, Michael Ray Bowers Jr. of Albemarle; and daughter, Tracey Bowers Almond and husband, Jay of Badin. Memorials may be made to Jimmy V Foundation, 106 Towerview Court, Cary, NC 27513. Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Bowers family.