Mr. Bill G. Bowers Sr.

After a long and virtuous life of 91 years, Bill G. Bowers Sr, a lifelong resident of Six Mile, died peacefully Sunday, April 22, 2018 at Richard M. Campbell Veterans Home in Anderson. Born May 17, 1926 in Six Mile, he was the son of the late Elbert Gordon Bowers and Nancy Gravely Bowers. Bill’s wife of 69 years, Elizabeth Freeman “Lib” Bowers, was by his side as he slipped into the presence of Jesus. He loved the Lord and His creation; particularly nature and timberlands, music, church, honest men, and his family.

Mr. Bowers and his nine siblings grew up in the Gap Hill community of Six Mile. He was educated on the family farm and in the historic Palestine Schoolhouse on the banks of the Keowee River. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1944 and served in the 11th Armored Division and 4th Armored Division from 1944 until 1946, attaining the rank of Staff Sargent. Seeing combat in Rhineland, Central Europe, he was awarded the Europe, Africa, and Middle Eastern Service medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Occupation Ribbon (Germany), and the Bronze Star. After World War II, he was a lifelong member of The American Legion, serving as Adjutant of Six Mile Post 141.

Over a lifetime of public service, Mr. Bowers enriched lives in the Six Mile community. Including the establishment of the first Six Mile Fire Department and spearheading rural water throughout the community. He was active in the Forest Landowners Association for many years and instrumental in many soil and water conservation projects across Pickens County. He was a charter member and first president of the Six Mile Lions club and spent countless hours raising funds to benefit sight conservation and research, including the Rocky Bottom Camp of The Blind. Mr. Bowers was a lifelong member and Past Master of Six Mile Masonic Lodge, and past District Deputy Grand Master of the Sixteenth Masonic District. He was an active member of Lawrence Chapel and Grace United Methodist Churches, as well supporting the historic McKinney’s Chapel and its preservation efforts.

Mr. Bowers worked in various manufacturing facilities in the Upstate, including Poinsett Lumber Company, Sangamo Electric and Dunean Mills. Later becoming the Rural Letter Carrier for route one Six Mile. He retired from the U.S Postal service- to a life of tree farming and travel with the love of his life, Lib.

Surviving, in addition to his wife Lib, are six sons, B. Gaines Bowers Jr (Mary Ann) of Lincolnton, NC, Michael E. Bowers (Ella Mae) of Inman, SC, Edward D. Bowers of Seneca, John L. Bowers (Phyllis)of Greenville, J. Phillip Bowers (Marsha), of Six Mile, and George K. Bowers (Crystal) of Chattanooga, TN . And one sister, Mildred Thompson of Greenville. Grandchildren, Michael N. Bowers, Charles M. Bowers, Jonathan C. Bowers, Elizabeth Brewer. Great-grandchildren Payton Bowers, Luke Bowers, Julia Bowers, Annabelle Brewer, Cayden Brewer, and William Brewer.

He was predeceased by his sisters, Elizabeth B. Gantt, Louella B. Perkins, Alice B. Whitmire, Nora Ashley, and Pearle B. Alexander, and brothers, J.C. Bowers, Elbert Gordon Bowers Jr. and John E. Bowers. And one grandson, Michael Hill.

A service of Death and Resurrection will be held Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church in Pickens with the Reverends David Taylor and Mike Bowers officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery with Masonic Rites and Military Honors. Friends and family will gather afterward for visitation in the Grace United Methodist Church fellowship hall from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.

Memorials may be made to Bill G. and Elizabeth F. Bowers Endowed Scholarship Fund at Spartanburg Methodist College, 1000 Powell Mill Road, Spartanburg, SC 29301 or to the charity of one’s choice.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com

Dillard Funeral Home, (864) 878-6371.