BBBTV12 Serving Anderson, Roane, and Morgan Counties
Walter R “Gus” Bowers born June 6, 1936. He was raised in the mountains of North Carolina in Avery County during the Great Depression. He remained in those mountains until 1954 when he joined the Navy. Shortly following he played football for Lees-Mcrae College in Banner Elk, North Carolina.
Once graduated “Gus” moved to Newport News, Virginia. He served as a motorcycle cop as well as a canine officer. One year later got married to a wonderful woman by the name of Betty Jo Cambell. They moved to Oak Ridge, TN in 1965 where Gus joined the police department.
In 1966 Betty gave birth to their daughter Cyndi Lee Bowers. He became a sergeant in 1969, and a lieutenant in 1973 (where he earned his nickname lieutenant). In 1982 he became lieutenant detective and retired in 1998. During his time at the police force, he made many friends, and he was also proud to be one of the founders of the Honor Guard for Oak Ridge. He loved playing softball with all his friends from the fraternal order of police where he earned another nickname of “Coach”… Gus also loved to travel the southwest of the United States enjoying views with his loved ones, visiting casinos, and collecting retired show dogs. He loved his rescue dogs, which I think speaks volumes about the gentle side of this man who rarely showed that. He loved UT football and attended bowl games including the Sugar Bowl in 1986.
He was a strong man that never wanted help doing just about anything. Above all, Gus loved his family and would do anything for the ones he cared about. He loved his wife, his daughter, his grandchildren, his great-grandchildren, and all of his extended family and friends that he always considered family. He was preceded in death by his wife Betty Bowers.
The Alexander Guest House family has played an immense role in Gus’s life that we can never fully repay or thank enough. Gus was a man that always fiercely strived to better himself throughout his career and life, and also encouraged everyone around him to do the same. There are so many things that we may never fully know, and stories we have missed. If anyone has even a small story share to about the life of Walter Bowers, please don’t be hesitant, as the only way we live forever is through the tales of loved ones.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 17th, 2024 from 5:00 pm-6:00 pm in the chapel of Weatherford Mortuary. A Memorial service will be at 6:00 PM. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to local animal shelters.
