Sowers, Alfred Junior

Alfred Junior “A.J.” Sowers, 80, of Floyd County, Va., passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2009. A.J. was born in Floyd County, Va., on December 6, 1928, and was the son of the late Alfred Thomas Sowers and Carra Viers Sowers.

He served in the United States Army during the Korean conflict. A.J. was widely known in the community as “Captain” during his many years as a welder. His true passion was his family, friends, and farming.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Elizabeth “Liz” Duncan Sowers; two daughters, a son, and their spouses, Kay and Michael Slusher, Charlotte and Frank Peters, and Ken Sowers and Kathleen Moran, all of the White Oak Grove area of Floyd County, Va.; grandchildren and spouses, Jeremiah and Marzena Slusher, Matthew and Malinda Peters, Jesse and Jessica Slusher, Sarah Peters and Brad Spurgeon, and Rebecca and Jon Thomas; great-grandchildren, Dylan Peters, DeSiree Peters, Victoria “Tori” Slusher, Elias Peters, and Madison Slusher; and an aunt, Omega Long.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2009, at Blessed Hope Baptist on White Oak Grove Road, with son-in-law, Frank Peters officiating. Graveside services will follow at the cemetery located on the Sowers’ family farm on White Oak Grove Road, with grandson-in-law, the Pastor Jon Thomas officiating.

The family will receive friends at Maberry Funeral Home on Friday, July 24, 2009, from 6 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Carilion Hospice of the New River Valley or to the National Parkinson Foundation. Special thanks to Carilion Hospice of the New River Valley, as well as everyone for the many acts of kindness and outpouring of support during his long illness.