Tony Ray Bowers

Tony Ray Bowers, age 48, of Sylva went home to Heaven on Thursday, March 7, 2013 at Memorial Mission in Asheville, NC. Mr. Bowers was born September 12, 1964 in Sylva, NC. He is the son of the late Rev. David Bowers Sr. Tony was an avid NASCAR fan with Mark Martin as his favorite driver.He loved fishing, football, and spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife: Patty (Rathbone) Bowers; his mother Violet (Bryson) Bowers; two sons, Tyler and Zackhary Bowers of Sylva; one daughter, Tiffany and husband Dewayne James of Clyde, NC; three step sons, Daniel and Matthew Keener, Allen Biddix and wife Brooke; a step daughter Kristy Keener of Sylva; a brother David Bowers and wife Sandra of Sylva; a sister Rachel Carpenter and husband Gary of Lincolnton, NC; one granddaughter Nevaeh James; and two step grandchildren Cadence and Makayla Biddix. The funeral service will be Tuesday March 12, 2013 at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Services with the Rev. Roger Stewman and Rev. Avery Brown officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 PM Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Fairview Gardens. Pallbearers will be Chris Bowers, Allen Biddix, Steve Wyatt, Frank Saiia, Dewayne James and David Bryson, Randy Crawford, and Larry Smiley. An online registry is available at www.appalachianfuneralservices.com . .