Walter H. Bowers

Walter H. "Bill" Bowers, age 89, of 681 Biscoe Road, Troy died Saturday, April 2, 2011 at Forrest Oakes Health Care LLC, Albemarle, NC.. Mr. Bowers was born December 25, 1921 in Norwood to the late Ira Clarence and Hettie Thompson Bowers. He lived the majority of his life in Montgomery County. He was a graduate of NC State University where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture and Master's Degree of Education. He was preceded in death by his wife, Beatrice A. Bowers and sister, Elizabeth B. Byrd. He was the Vocational Ag teacher for Montgomery County Schools from 1949 -1954; Cooperative Extension Agent (4H and Livestock Agent) from 1954 - 1966; Cooperative Extension Development Agent from 1966 - 1973 and was the only one to hold this position; Extension Cooperative Director from 1973 - 1981. He was a beloved agent in this county, instrumental in getting a grant for the Social Services Building and also for getting county water. After he retired, he was the County Planning and Development Coordinator for a few months. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Troy where he was a former member of the Adult Choir, Deacon, Trustee, Church Treasurer, Chairman of the Budget Committee, Sunday School teacher of the men's Steadfast Class and a member of the Senior Adult Group. He was a US Army veteran of World War II serving from 1942 - 1946. He fought at the Battle of the Bulge and was honorably discharged with the rank of corporal. He is survived by a son, Walter H. Bowers, Jr. and wife Jocelyn, of Blairsville, GA; daughter, Laura Bame of Troy; granddaughter Julie Henderson and husband, Nate of Lexington, KY; grandson, Walter H. Bowers, III and wife Beverly of Birmingham, AL; two brothers, James Ira Bowers of Norwood and Ernest F. Bowers of Albemarle. The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 6, 2011 from 1 pm - 2 pm at First Baptist Church, 401 E. Main Street, Troy. The funeral service will follow at 2 pm with Dr. Phillips McRae officiating. Burial with military honors provided by the Randolph County Honor Guard will be held at Southside Cemetery, S. Main Street, Troy. Memorials may be directed to First Baptist Church, Children and Youth Departments, PO Box 442, Troy, NC 27371. Funeral arrangements are by Pugh-Troy Funeral Home.