Gary Bower

Gary Bower

October 25, 1942 - September 1, 2022 Gary Bower, 79, of Blairsville went peacefully to heaven on Thursday, September 1, 2022, at Union General Hospital in Blairsville with his loving family by his side. Gary was born October 25, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky, to William and Anne Bower. He graduated from Trinity High School in Louisville, Kentucky, on May 30, 1960. After graduation, Gary enlisted to the United States Navy on September 12, 1961, and proudly served aboard the USS Tutuila, USS Barry, USS Courtney, and the USS Lafayette. After being honorably discharged from the United States Navy on September 11, 1967, Gary worked alongside his dad, William, and brother, Bill, in the family businesses, Friendly Ford and Friendly Honda, located in North Miami Beach for 33+ years. On March 24, 1973, he married the love of his life Georgia Bower in North Miami Beach. They lived in south Florida for 42 years before settling in Blairsville in 2015. All who knew Gary, loved Gary. And the lucky ones probably shared a meticulously planned (yet somehow relaxed) evening of cigars and whiskey with him–or at the very least, heard one of his wildly entertaining stories. He always had time for those he loved and made everyone feel like the most important person in the room. In his spare time, he loved to read, golf, and spend time with his family. Gary will be forever remembered for his special touch of wit and humor that complemented his abundant love for his friends and family quite perfectly. He was preceded in death by his father, William Bower; and mother, Anne Bower. His memory and legacy will be cherished and kept alive by his wife of 49 years, Georgia Bower of Blairsville, GA; brother, Bill (Roseann) Bower and family of Fort Lauderdale, FL; sister, Linda Smith of Lady Lake, FL; brother-in-law, Craig (Donna) Housley of Walcott, IA; niece, Courtnee (Eric) Carstens and family of Ankeny, IA; niece, Bree (Eric) Sahrmann and family of Ankeny, IA; daughter, Shannon (Scott) Bower Kenneally of Blairsville, GA; and granddaughter, Katelin (Cole) Margard Payne of Young Harris, GA. The family wishes to thank the Union General Hospital nurses and doctors for their thoughtful and tender care. Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 22, 2022, anytime from 4-7pm at the Highland Park clubhouse located on Kiutuestia Creek Road, Blairsville, GA. Please bring your favorite memories and stories to share of this very special man.