Avery Bowers Jr., age 80, of the Alarka community passed away Sunday, June 7, at his residence.
Avery was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing and was a passionate storyteller.
He was a veteran of the United States Army and worked various construction jobs over the years.
Avery was preceded in death by his parents, Avery Bowers Sr., and Dora Edwards; brothers Richard Bowers, Troy Bowers, and Benny Bowers; sister Martha Lee and infant sisters Dixie and Edith Bowers.
Avery is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Marcia Long Bowers, children Ronnie Bowers (Shelia) of Bryson City, Beth Randall (Robert) of Whittier, Laurie Bowers Hyatt of Bryson City, and Michael Bowers (Elizabeth) of Bryson City, 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren whom he loved dearly. Avery is also survived by his brother Sam Bowers of Franklin, and sister Loraine Keefer of Bryson City.
Avery had many special friends in life, Austin and Joyce Greene, Geraldine Gunter, Jesse Oliver, Arvil Simonds, Arvil Bowers and many more.
A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. The family would like to thank everyone for the visits, calls, generosity, and love they have shown throughout Avery’s illness and time of death.