Sowers, Willie Lee

Willie Lee Sowers passed away Sunday morning, February 14, 2010, after a long but courageous battle with cancer. Willie was born August 8, 1937, and was the son of the late A. Lee and May Sowers, of East Radford.

He was a native of Radford graduating from Radford High School. He proudly served his country with the United States Navy. He served as an E6 Radioman on two different Mine Sweepers. He was a retiree of RAAP after working there for 32 ½ years. He was an avid reader especially when it came to The Civil War, World War II, and the Viet Nam wars. He enjoyed target shooting and was quiet a good marksman. Willie enjoyed reloading, gun shows and flea markets.

Willie was predeceased by a daughter, Melissa Rose Mullins. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Katie Rose Sowers; daughters, Tammie (Marlon) Cox, of Radford and Nancy Marie Rose, of Covington, Va.; sons, Gary (Shelia) Sowers, of Dublin, Joey W. Sowers, of Norfolk, Va., George (Sharron) Rose, of Covington, Robert (Susette) Sowers, of Ripplemead. Other survivors include grandchildren, Sgt. Joshua Palmer in Iraq, Wyatt A. Roop, of Covington, Sarah J. Rose, of Covington, Brittany Sowers and Hannah Sowers, of Dublin, Melissa Howderskelt, of Covington, Hailea and Craig Sowers, of Ripplemead; sister, Peggy S. Howard, of Radford; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members. He was loved deeply and respected by his family, friends, and co-workers. He will be sorely missed!

Of course flowers will be appreciated, but the family would like you to consider a donation in Willie’s memory to Good Samaritan Hospice, 125 Arrowhead Lane Suite E, Christiansburg, Va. 24073.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, February 16, 2010, from 6 to 8 p.m. at DeVilbiss Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Wednesday February 17, 2010, at DeVilbiss Funeral Home with the Reverend Cecil Frazier and Mr. Larry Phillips officiating. Interment will follow at Highland Memory Gardens.

Arrangements by DeVilbiss Funeral Home.