Ray EdwardBowers

Ray Edward Bowers, 77, of Greenville passed away the evening of August 24, 2009 at his residence.  Services will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home Chapel with grandson, Craig Bowers  and Rev. Randy Bird officiating.  Interment will follow at Memoryland Memorial Park.  Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Wednesday at the funeral home.

Mr. Bowers was born on January 3, 1932 in Hunt County to Ishmael Edward and Gracie Lela Stevens Bowers.  In 1951, he married Martha “Jennie” Foster in Hunt County, and they had four children.  She preceded him in death in August, 1990.  In November, 1991, he married Ouida Williams in Greenville, and she preceded him in death in March, 2008.   Ray owned and operated Ray Bowers Welding for many years.   He served as a deacon at Highland Terrace Baptist Church.

Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law Bobby & Elizabeth Bowers of Greenville, Robby & Sherry Bowers and Gary & Dyan Bowers of Quinlan; daughter & son-in-law Pam and Scott Smith of Greenville; step-son Ron Williams and wife, Debbie  and step-daughter Marilyn Portman and husband Zack of Greenville; 11 grandchildren Kacie Scott, Kayla Hudson, Kyle Smith; Craig, Kevin and Katie Bowers; Melisa Burney, Robby, Jr. , Ben and Dayle Bowers, and Aimee Cook; 4 step-grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, brother Bill Bowers, sister Lois Hillard and a step-grandson Dustin Willliams.

Pallbearers will be grandsons Ben Bowers, Dayle Bowers, Kevin Bowers, Robby Bowers, Jr., Clif Hudson, Westley Scott and Kyle Smith.  Honorary Pallbearer will be Mickey Money.

The family request memorials be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Dallas Chapter, 4144 N. Central Expressway, Ste. 750, Dallas, TX   75204-9627.