Funeral service will be at 11am Monday, January 2, 2023 in Nowlin Chapel at First Baptist Church Gadsden for Buford L. Bowers, age 88, of Rainbow City. Revs. Larry Fuhrman and Matt Alexander will officiate. Burial will be in Crestwood Cemetery. Crestwood Memorial Funeral Home will direct services. Mr. Bowers passed away on Saturday, December 31, 2022.

Mr. Bowers was a native of Dekalb county and had moved to Etowah County in 1958. He had worked in many different fields, such as Lockheed Aircraft in Marietta, Ga, with Bebo Klyce in a Sporting Goods store, Buck's Boats, and had retired from Goodyear Tire and Rubber after 30 years service. He and his wife have been members of First Baptist Church of Gadsden for 65 years. He was also a member of the Noccalula Civitans.

He is preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, and two brothers in law.

He is survived by is wife of 67 years Barbara Tidmore Bowers; Children Joey (Vicki) Bowers and Johnny (Tracy) Bowers; grandchildren April (Chris) Berry, Brett (Katie) Bowers, Annie Bowers, and Natalie Baird; great grandchildren Sam Berry, Matthew Berry, Emmalyn Bowers and Easton Bowers; brother H.B. (Jewel) Bowers; sister Dianna Shaw; brother in law Merill (Era) Tidmore; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the George McSpadden Organ Renovation Fund.

Pallbearers will be Bobby Overton, Chris Berry, Jimmy Bowers, Brett Bowers, David Shaw, and Sam Berry.

Honorary Pallbearers are Pete Alford, Bob Russell, and the Security Team and Ushers of First Baptist Church of Gadsden.

The family is so very thankful to everyone that  helped during Buford's illness, especially to the nurses and staff of Riverview Regional Medical Center 5th floor; Enhabit Home Health and Hospice; Casey Roberts; and Brent Bunton; Members of the Ruth Sunday School Class.  Thank you also to Marge Bowman, Pug Nolen, Vonda Thompson, Ann Burger, and Gloria Cantrel for the love and support of both Buford and Barbara.

Being mindful of the flu, Covid, and other viruses currently going around, the family has decided not to have visitation prior to the service. They welcome family and friends to the funeral but want to protect the community health. Cards will be available at the service so that you may leave the family a message and share your favorite memory of Buford for them to cherish in the days ahead.